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/-^wtz^^^^ /y^r^

THE HISTORY

OF THE

Five Indian Nations

OF CANADA

WHICH ARE DEPENDENT ON THE PROVINCE OF

NEW YORK, AND ARE A BARRIER BETWEEN

THE ENGLISH AND THE FRENCH IN

THAT PART OF THE WORLD

By
Hon. CADWALLADER GOLDEN

fFITH MAP

IN TWO VOLUMES

VOL L

NEW AMSTERDAM BOOK COMPANY

PUBLISHERS: NEW YORK, 190a

II^OX

lityicL a^)c«L C.J

t^y^C^J

Registered at the
Liirary of Congress, A ugust iqca

NEW AMSTERDAM BOOK COMPANY

Published, August 1902. N.

INTRODUCTION.

On the death of Lieutenant-Governor de
Lancy, in 1760, Cadwallader Golden, as
President of the Council, came to New York,
took up his residence at the Province House
in the fort, and administered the Govern-
ment until his appointment as Lieutenant-
Governor, which took place in August, 1761.

"Governor Golden," says Verplanck, "was
a scholar of various and extensive attain-
ments, and of very great and unremitted
ardor and application in the acquisition of
knowledge. When it is considered how
large a portion of his life was spent in the
labors or the routine of public office and that,
however great might have been his original
stock of learning, he had in this country no
reading public to excite him by their ap-
plause, and few literary friends to assist or
to stimulate his inquiries, his zeal and suc-
cess in his scientific pursuits will appear de-
serving of the highest admiration. A great

mass of manuscripts on mathematical, botani-

iii

INTRODUCTION.

cal, metaphysical, and theological learning,
in addition to the works published during
his life, affords ample proof of the extent and
variety of his knowledge, and the strength,
the acuteness and the versatility of his intel-
lect.''

Cadwallader Golden was the son of the
Rev. Alexander Golden, minister of an ob-
scure parish in Scotland, but was bom on the
17th of February, 1688, in Ireland. Young
Golden was destined by his father for the
ministry and was sent to the University of
Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1705.
Not caring for his father's profession, he re-
paired to London and began the study of
Medicine. Five years later he came to
America and practised his profession in
Pennsylvania for a considerable time. After
a brief visit to England, he came to New
York, where he formed the acquaintance of
Governor Hunter, who offered him the posi-
tion of Surveyor-G-eneral of the Golony.
Thereafter emoluments and honors came
upon him thick and fast. He was made a
Master in Ghancery, though why, it is hard
to say. He was called to a seat in the Goun-

oSLp a body of gentlemen elected by the Grown,

INTRODUCTION.

and forming the upper legislative house in
the Colony. Governor Hunter stood his
friend, and it was owing to his support that
a grant of two thousand acres of land in what
is now the town of Montgomery, Orange
County, was bestowed upon him. He re-
ceived another grant of one thousand acres
which he called the Manor of Coldengham.
He was now one of the great land-owners of
the Colony.

Shea, in commenting upon his rapid ad-
vance in influence and wealth, states that
Colden " was unremitting and zealous in his
labor, adhering firmly to the royal Grovernors
— ^while others fought only to mimic the
Capital in show and parade, Colden went to
work to study the climate, geography, na-
tive inhabitants, civic and political inter-
ests of the Colony."

Cadwallader Colden was regarded as the
best-informed man in the new world on the
affairs of the British-American Colonies.
Shea states that "he is spoken of as better
versed than any other in the geography of
the country, and his writings show that he
was an early and careful observer of the cli-
mate and its influence on health." That he

INTRODUCTION.

was highly regarded by the Indians may be
seen from the fact that he was adopted by
the Mohawks of Canajoharie.

This brings us to " The History of the Five
Indian Nations. '' Mr. Shea says it was writ-
ten " to lay more completely before the pub-
lic the importance of the Five Nations — or
Iroquois — to the Colony of New York, as a
barrier against the French and a means of
controlling the West." There is no doubt
that the book was written with a political
motive, and it may have been necessary to
teach the King and Council, Lords of Trade
and other ruling powers, the real position,
influence and power of the Iroquois Confed-
eracy. But Colden was too well informed a
man not to perceive that the day would come
when every scrap of authentic information in
regard to the Indians would be valuable.
He had access to sources of information by
reason of his official position not usually open
to writers, of which he made remarkable use.

Colden wrote many political pamphlets,

scientific studies, and other works besides his

"History of the Five Indian Nations," none

of which it will be necessary to allude to

here. He was a very busy and industrious

INTRODUCTION.

man, and he lived to the protracted age of
eighty-seven years. He died at Spring Hill,
near Flushing on Long Island, on the 21st of
September, 1776. His wife had predeceased
him several years, having died at Fort
Greorge, in March 1762.

Mr. Shea calls attention to the remarkable
fact that no life of Cadwallader Golden has
been written. "It reflects little credit on
New York," he says, " that none of her sons
have endeavored to present to the million
readers of the State the life of Cadwallader
Colden, a man whose scientific and philosoph-
ical mind, insuring him fame in any field
of life that he might have selected, was de-
voted for nearly half a century to the devel-
opment, interests, and government of the
Colony of New York. But his labors are
almost forgotten, his learned works accessible
to few, his manuscripts, though safe in the
New York Historical Society, accessible to
still fewer, and except to antiquaries and col-
lectors his very existence almost a myth.
No public monument, no college nor semi-
nary of learning, recalls the memory of one
who in electricity and other branches of nat-
ural philosophy was the valued associate of

INTRODUCTION.

Franklin, who corresponded with Linnaeus,
Gronovius, and Bai-tram on Botany, with
eminent physicians in both hemispheres on
the science of medicine, with the Earl of
Macclesfield on Astronomy and Philosophy,
whose reports to Government stand out amid
the mass of tedious ofiicial documents by the
freshness, vigor, and originality of their
views, no less than by their scientific value
as treatises. '^ Eobebt Waite.

New York, July, 1902.

viU

TO THE HONOURABLE

GENERAL

OGLETHORPE

SIB,

The Indian Affairs have ever appeared to
your Judgment of such Importance to the
Welf^ire of our own People, that you have
ever carefully applied your Thoughts to
them ; and that with such Success, that not
only the present Generation will enjoy the
Benefit of your Care, but our latest Posterity
bless your Memory for that Happiness, the
Foundation of which was laid imder your
Care, provided that the People here, whose
Duty and Interest is chiefly concerned, do on
their own Parts second your Endeavours,
towards securing the Peace, and advancing
the Prosperity of their Country.

The following Account of the Five Indian
Nations will shew what dangerous Neigh-
bours the Indians have once been; what
Pains a neighbouring Colony (whose Interest

DEDICATION.

is opposite to ours) has taken to withdraw
their Affections from us ; and how much we
ought to be on our Guard. If we only con-
sider the Riches which our Enemies receive
from the Indian Trade (though we were un-
der no Apprehensions from the Indians them-
selves) it would be highly imprudent in us to
suffer such People to grow Rich and Power-
ful, while it is in our Power to prevent it,
with much less Charge and Trouble, than it
is in theirs to accomplish their Designs.

These Cod siderations alone are sufficient to
make the Indian Affairs deserve the most se-
rious Thoughts of every Governor in America.
But I well know, besides ; that your Excel-
lency's Views are not confined to the Interest
of one Country only.

The Five Nations are a poor and, gener-
ally called, barbarous People, bred under the
darkest Ignorance ; and yet a bright and no-
ble Genius shines through these black
Clouds. None of the greatest Roman He-
roes have discovered a greater Love to their
Country, or a greater Contempt of Death,
than these People called Barbarians have
done, when Liberty came in Competition.
Indeed, I think our Indians have outdone
the Romans in this Particular; some of the
greatest of those have we know murdered

DEDICATION.

themselves to avoid Shame or Torments ; but
our Indians have refused to die meanly, or
with but little Pain, when they thought their
Country's Honour would be at Stake by it *;
but have given their Bodies, willingly, to the
most cruel Torments of their Enemies, to
shew, as they said, that the Five Nations
consisted of Men, whose Courage and Reso-
lution could not be shaken. They greatly
sully, however, those noble Virtues, by that
cruel Passion, Revenge; this they think it
not only lawful, but honourable, to exert
without Mercy on their Country's Enemies,
and for this only it is that they can deserve
the Name of Barbarians.

But what, alas! Sir, have we Christians
done to make them better? We have indeed
Reason to be ashamed, that these Infidels,
by our Conversation and Neighbourhood, are
become worse than they were before they
knew us. Instead of Virtues we have only
taught them Vices, that they were intirely
free from before that Time. The narrow
Views of private Interest have occasioned
this, and will occasion greater, even publick
Mischiefs, if the Governors of the People do
not, like true Patriots, exert themselves, and
put a Stop to these growing Evils. If these

*This will appear by several Instances in the
Second Part of this History.

DEDICATION.

Practices be winked at, instead of faithful
Friends, that have manfully fought our Bat-
tles for us, the Five Nations will become
faithless Thieves and Robbers, and join with
every Enemy that can give them any Hopes
of Plunder.

If Care were taken to plant and cultivate
in them that general Benevolence to Man-
kind, which is the true first Principle of Vir-
tue, it would effectually eradicate those horrid
Vices, occasioned by their unbounded Re-
venge ; and then they would no longer deserve
the Name of Barbarians, but would become a
People, whose Friendship might add Honour
to the British Nation.

The Greeks and Romans, Sir, once as much
Barbarians as our Indians now are, deified the
Heroes that first taught them those Virtues,
from whence the Grandeur of those renowned
Nations wholly proceeded ; a good Man, how-
ever, will feel more real Satisfaction and
Pleasure, from the Sense of having any Way
forwarded the Civilizing of a barbarous Na-
tion, or of having multipHed the Number of
good Men, than from the fondest Hopes of
such extravagant Honours.

These Considerations, I belieVe, will in-
duce you. Sir, to think a History of the Five
Nations not unworthy of your Patronage;

zii

DEDICATION.

and on these only it is that I presume to
offer my best Endeavours in this, who am,
with the greatest Eespect,

SIB,

Your most obediervty

and most humble Servanty

CADWALLADER GOLDEN.

ziil

THE

INTRO DU CTION,

BEING

A Short View of the Form of Government of

the Five Nations ^ and of their Laws, Cus-
toms, etc.

It is necessary to know something of the
Form of Government of the People, whose
History one is about to know, and a few
Words will be sufficient to give the Eeader a
Conception of that of the Five Nations, be-
cause it still remiains under original Simplic-
ity, and free from those complicated Contri-
vances, which have become necessary to the
Nations, where Deceit and Cunning have in-
creased as much as their Knowledge and
Wisdom.

The Five Nations (as their Name denotes)
consist of so many Tribes or Nations, joined
together by a League or Confederacy, like the
United Provinces, and without any Superior-
ity of the one over the other. This Union
has continued so long, that the Christians

THE INTRODUCTION.

know nothing of the Original of it : The Peo-
ple in it are known by the English under the
Names of Mohawks, Oneydoes, Onondagas,
Cayugas, and Sennekas.

Each of these Nations is again divided into
three Tribes or Families, who distinguish
themselves by three different Arms or En-
signs, the Tortoise, the Bear, and the Wolf;
and the Sachems, or old Men of these Fami-
lies, put this Ensign, or Mark of their Family,
to every publick Paper, when they sign it.

Each of these Nations is an absolute Re-
publick by itself, and every Castle in each
Nation makes an independent Republick, and
is governed in all publick Affairs by its own
Sachems or old Men. The Authority of
these Eulers is gain' d by, and consists wholly
in the Opinion the rest of the Nation have of
their Wisdom and Integrity. They never
execute their Resolutions by Force upon any
of their People. Honour and Esteem are
their principal Rewards; as Shame, and
being despised, their Punishments. They
have cei-tain Customs, which they observe in
their publick Transactions with other Na-
tions, and in their private Affairs among
themselves; which it is scandalous for any
one among them not to observe, and these
always draw after them either publick or pri-
vate Resentment, whenever they are broke.

Their Leaders and Captains, in like Man-

xvi

THE INTRODUCTION.

ner, obtain their Authority, by the general
Opinion of their Courage and Conduct, and
lose it by a failure in those Virtues.

Their great Men, both Sachems and Cap-
tains, are generally poorer than the common
People ; for they affect to give away and dis-
tribute all the Presents or Plunder they get
in their Treaties or in War, so as to leave
nothing to themselves. There is not a Man
in the Ministry of the Five Nations, who has
gain'd his Office, otherwise than by Merit;
there is not the least Salary, or any Sort of
Profit, annexed to any Office, to tempt the
Covetous or Sordid; but, on the contrary,
every unworthy Action is unavoidably at-
tended with the Forfeiture of their Commis-
sion ; for their Authority is only the Esteem
of the People, and ceases the Moment that
Esteem is lost. Here we see the natui*al
Origin of all Power and Authority among a
free People, and whatever artificial Power or
Sovereignty any Man may have acquired, by
the Laws and Constitution of a Country, his
real Power will be ever much greater or less,
in Proportion to the Esteem the People have
of him.

The Five Nations think themselves by Na-
ture superior to the rest of Mankind, and call
themselves Ongue-honwe ; that is. Men sur-
passing all others. This Opinion, which

they take Care to cultivate into their Chil-

xvii

THE INTROBUCTIOK.

dren, gives them that Courage, which has
been so terrible to all the Nations of North
America ; and they have taken such Care to
impress the same Opinion of their People on
all their Neighbours, that they, on all Occa-
sions, yield the most submissive Obedience
^o them. I have been told by old Men in
New England, who remembred the Time
when the Mohawks made War on their In-
dians, that as soon as a single Mohawk was
discovered in the Country, their Indians
raised a Cry from Hill to Hill, A Mohawk !
A Mohawk! upon which they all fled like
Sheep before Wolves, without attempting to
make the least Resistance, whatever Odds
were on their Side. The poor New England
Indians immediately ran to the Christian
Houses, and the Mohawks often pursued
them so closely, that they entered along
with them, and knocked their Brains out in
the Presence of the People of the House;
but if the Family had Time to shut the Door,
they never attempted to force it, and on no
Occasion did any Injury to the Christians.
All the Nations round them have, for many
Years, intirely submitted to them, and pay a
yearly Tribute to them in Wampum * ; they

* Wampum is the Current Money among the In-
dians: It is of two Sorts, White and Purple; the
White is worked out of the Inside of the great
Conques into the Form of a Bead, and perforated,

xviii

THE INTRODUCTIOK

dare neither make War nor Peace, without
the Consent of the Mohawks. Two old Men
commonly go about every Year or two, to re-
ceive this Tribute ; and I have often had Op-
portunity to observe what Anxiety the poor
Indians were under, while these two old Men
remained in that Part of the Country where I
was. An old Mohawk Sachem, in a poor
Blanket and a dirty Shirt, may be seen issu-
ing his Orders with as arbitrary an Author-
ity, as a Koman Dictator. It is not for the
Sake of Tribute however, that they make
War, but from the Notions of Glory, which
they have ever most strongly imprinted on
their Mmds ; and the farther they go to seek
an Enemy, the greater Glory they think they
gain ; there cannot, I think, be a greater or
stronger Instance than this, how much the
Sentiments, impressed upon a People's mind,
conduce to their Grandeur, or one that more
verifies a Saying often to be met with, though
but too little minded, That it is in the Power
of the Kulers of a People to make them either

to string on Leather; the Purpie is worked out of
the Inside of the Muscle Shell ; they are wove as
broad as one's Hand, and about two Feet long;
these they call Belts, and give and receive at their
Treaties as the Seals of Friendship ; for lesser Mat-
ters a single String is given. Every Bead is of a
known Value, and a Belt of a less Number, is made
to equal one of a greater, by so many as is wanting
fastened to the Belt by a String.

xix

THE INTRODUCTION.

Great or Little ; for by inculcating only the
Notions of Honour and Virtue, or' those of
Luxury and Eiches, the People, in a little
Time, will become such as their Rulers de-
sire. The Five Nations, in their Love of
Liberty, and of their Country, in their Brav-
ery in Battle, and their Constancy in endur-
ing Torments, equal the Fortitude of the most
renowned Romans. I shall finish their gen-
eral Character by what an Enemy, a French-
man, says of them. Monsieur De la Poterie,
in his History of North America.

" When we speak (says he) of the Five Na-
tions in France, they are thought, by a com-
mon Mistake, to be mere Barbarians, always
thirsting after human Blood ; but their true
Character is very different. They are indeed
the fiercest and most formidable People in
North America, and, at the same Time, are
as politick and judicious, as well can be con-
ceived ; and this appears from the Manage-
ment of all the Affairs which they transact,
not only with the French and English, but
likewise with almost all the Indian Nations
of this vast Continent."

Their Matters of Consequence, which con-
cern all the Nations, are transacted in a gen-
eral Meeting of the Sachems of each Nation.
These Conventions are commonly held at
Onnondaga, which is nearly the Center of
their Country j but they have fixed on Albany

THE INTRODUCTION.

for the Place of treating with the British
Colonies.

They strictly follow one Maxim, formerly
used by the Romans to increase their
Strength, that is, they encourage the People
of other Nations to incorporate with them;
and when they have subdued any People,
after they have satiated their Revenge by
some cruel Examples, they adopt the rest of
their Captives; who, if they behave well,
become equally esteemed with their own Peo-
ple; so that some of their Captives have
afterwards become their greatest Sachems
and Captains. The Tuskaroras, after the
War they had with the People of Carolina,
fled to the Five Nations, and are now incor-
porated with them; so that they now pro-
perly indeed consist of six Nations, though
they still retain the old Name of the Five
Nations among the English. The Cowetas
also, or Creek-Indians, are in the same
Friendship with them.

The Tuskaroras, since they came under the
Province of New York, behave themselves
well, and remain peaceable and quiet; and
by this may be seen the Advantage of using
the Indians well, and I believe, if they were
still better used (as there is Room enough to
do it) they would be proportionably more
useful to us.

The Cruelty the Indians use in their Wars,

xxi

THE INTRODUCTION.

towards those that do not or cannot resist,
such as Women and Children, and to their
Prisoners, after they have them in their
Power, is deservedly indeed held in Abhor-
rence : But whoever reads the History of the
' so famed ancient Heroes, will find them, I'm
afraid, not much better in this Respect.
Does Achilles' s Behaviour to Hector's dead
Body, in Homer, appear less savage? This
Cruelty is also not peculiar to the Five Na-
tions, but equally practised by all other In-
dians. It is wonderful, how Custom and
Education are able to soften the most horrid
Actions, even among a polite and learned
People ; witness the Carthaginians and Phoe-
nicians burning their own Children alive in
Sacrifice ; and several Passages in the Jewish
History; and witness, in later Times, the
Christians burning one another alive, for
God's Sake.

When any of the young Men of these Na-
tions have a Mind to signalize themselves,
and to gain a Reputation among their Coun-
trymen, by some notable Enterprize against
their Enemy, they at first communicate their
Design to two or three of their most intimate
Friends ; and if they come into it, an Invita-
tion is made, in their Names, to all the young
Men of the Castle, to feast on Dog's Flesh;
but whether this be, because Dog's Flesh is
most agreeable to Indian Palates, or whether

xxii

THE INTRODUCTION.

it be as an Emblem of Fidelity, for which the
Dog is distinguished by all Nations, that it
is always used on this Occasion, I have not
sufficient Information to determine. When
the Company is met, the Promoters of the
Enterprize set forth the Undertaking in the
best Colours they can; they boast of what
they intend to do, and incite others to join,
from the Glory there is to be obtained ; and
all who eat of the Dog's Flesh, thereby inlist
themselves.

The Night before they set out, they make
a grand Feast, to this all the noted Warriors
of the Nation are invited ; and here they have
their War Dance, to the Beat of a Kind of a
Kettle-drum. The Warriors are seated in
two Rows in the House, and each rises up m
his Turn, and sings the great Acts he has
himself performed, and the Deeds of his An-
cestors ; and this is always accompanied with
a Kind of a Dance, or rather Action, repre-
senting the Manner in which they were per-
formed ; and from Time to Time, all present
join in a Chorus, applauding every notable
Act. They exaggerate the Injuries they
have at any Time received from their Ene-
mies, and extol the Glory which any of their
Ancestors have gained by their Bravery and
Courage ; so that they work up their Spirits
to a high Degree of warlike Enthusiasm. I
have sometimes persuaded some of their

xxiii

THE INTRODUCTION.

young Indians to act these Dances, for our
Diversion, and to show us the Manner of
them; and even, on these Occasions, they
have work'd themselves up to such a Pitch,
that they have made all present uneasy. Is
it not probable, that such Designs as these
have given the first Rise to Tragedy?

They come to these Dances with their Faces
painted in a frightful Manner, as they always
are when they go to War, to make themselves
terrible to their Enemies ; and in this Manner
the Night is spent. Next Day they march
out with much Formality, dressed in their
finest Apparel, and, in their March, observe
a profound Silence. An Officer of the regu-
lar Troops told me, that while he was Com-
mandant of Fort-Hunter, the Mohawks, on
one of these Occasions, told him, that they
expected the usual Military Honours as they
passed the Garison. Accordingly he drew
out his Garison, the Men presented their
Pieces as the Indians passed, and the Drum
beat a March; and with less Respect, the
Officer said, they would have been dissatis-
fied. The Indians passed in a single Row,
one after another, with great gravity and
profound Silence ; and every one of them, as
he passed the Officer, took his Gun from his
Shoulder, and fired into the Ground near the
Officer's Foot: They marched in this Manner
three or four Miles from their Castle. The

xxiv

THE INTRODUCTION.

Women, on these Occasions, always follow
them with their old Clothes, and they send
back by them their Finery in which they
marched from the Castle. But before they
go from this Place, where they exchange
their Clothes, they always peel a large Piece
of the Bark from some great Tree ; they com-
monly chuse an Oak, as most lasting ; upon
the smooth Side of this Wood they, with
their red Paint, draw one or more Canoes,
going from Home, with the Number of Men
in them padling, which go upon the Expedi-
tion; and some Animal, as a Deer or Fox,
an Emblem of the Nation against which the
Expedition is designed, is painted at the
Head of the Canoes ; for they always travel
in Canoes along the Kivers, which lead to the
Country against which the Expedition is de-
signed, as far as they can.
, After the Expedition is over, they stop at
the same Place in their Eeturn, and send to
their Castle, to inform their Friends of their
Arrival ; that they may be prepared to j^ive
them a solemn Reception, suited to the Suc-
cess they have had. In the mean Time, they
represent on the same, or some Tree near it,
the Event of the Enterprize, and now the
Canoes are painted with their Heads turned
towards the Castle ; the Number of the En-
emy killed, is represented by Scalps painted
black, and the Number of Prisoners by as

yxv

THE INTRODUCTION.

many Withs, (in their Painting not unlike
Pot-hooks) with which they usually pinion
their Captives. These Trees are the Annals,
or rather Trophies of the Five Nations: I
have seen many of them; and by them, and
their War Songs, they preserve the History
of their great Achievements. The solemn
Eeception of these Warriors, and the Accla-
mations of Applause, which they receive at
their Return, cannot but have in the Hearers
the same Effect, in raising an Emulation for
Glory, that a Triumph had on the old Romans.
After their Prisoners are secured, they
never offer them the least Male-treatment,
but, on the contrary, will rather starve them-
selves, than suffer them to want ; and I have
been always assured, that there is not one In-
stance, of their offering the least Violence to
the Chastity of any Woman that was their
Captive. But notwithstanding this, the
poor Prisoners afterwards undergo severe
Punishments before they receive the last
Doom of Life or Death. The Warriors
think it for their Glory, to lead them
through all the Villages of the Nations sub-
ject to them, which lie near the Road ; and
these, to shew their Affection to the Five Na-
tions, and their Abhorrence of their Enemies,
draw up in two Lines, through which the
poor Prisoners, stark naked, must run the
Gauntlet; and on this Occasion, it is always

xxvi

THE INTRODUCTION.

observed, the Women are much more cruel
than the Men. The Prisoners meet with the
same sad Reception when they reach their
Journey's End; and after this, they are pre-
sented to those that have lost any Relation in
that or any former Enterprize. If the Cap-
tives be accepted, there is an End to their
Sorrow from that Moment ; they are dressed
as fine as they can make them ; they are ab-
solutely free (except to return to their own
Country) and enjoy all the Privileges the Per-
son had, in whose Place they are accepted;
but if otherwise they die in Torments, to sa-
tiate the Revenge of those that refuse them.

If a young Man or Boy be received in Place
of a Husband that was killed, all the Children
of the Deceased call that Boy Father ; so that
one may sometimes hear a Man of thirty say,
that such a Boy of fifteen or twenty is his
Father.

Their Castles are generally a Square sur-
rounded with Palisadoes, without any Bas-
tions or Out-works; for, since the general
Peace, their Villages lie all open.

Their only Instruments of War are Mus-
quets, Hatchets, and long sharp pointed
Knives ; these they always carry about with
them: Their hatchet, in War-time, is stuck
in their Girdle behind them ; and besides what
Use they make of this Weapon in their Hand,
they have a dexterous Way of throwing it,

zxvii

THE INTRODUCTION.

which I have seen them often practise in
their Exercise, by throwing it into a Tree at
a Distance: They have, in this, the Art of
directing and regulating the Motion, so that
though the Hatchet turns round as it flies,
the Edge always sticks in the Tree, and near
the Place at which they aim it. The Use of
Bows and Arrows are now intirely laid aside,
except among the Boys, who are still very
dexterous in killing Fowls and other Animals
with them.

They use neither Drum nor Trumpet, nor
any Kind of musical Instrument in their
Wars ; their Throats serve them on all Occa-
sions, where such are necessary. Many of
them have a surprising Faculty of raising
their Voice, not only in inarticulate Sounds,
but likewise to make their Words understood
at a great Distance; and we find the same
was practised by Homer's Heroes,

Thrice to its Pitch his lofty Voice he rears, —
Friend ! Ulysses Shouts invade my Ears.

The Five Nations have such absolute No-
tions of Liberty, that they allow of no Kind
of Superiority of one over another, and ban-
ish all Servitude from their Territories. They
never make any Prisoner a Slave ; but it is
customary among them to make a Compli-
ment of Naturalization into the Five Nations ;
and, considering how highly they value them-

xxviii

THE INTRODUCTION.

selves above all others, this must be no small
Compliment. This is not done by any gen-
eral Act of the Nation, but every single Per-
son has a Eight to it, by a Kind of Adoption.
The first Time I was among the Mohawks, I
had this Compliment from one of their old
Sachems, which he did, by giving me his own
Name, Cayenderongue. He had been a not-
able Warrior; and he told me, that now I
had a Right to assume to myself all the Acts
of Valour he had performed, and that now
my Name would echo from Hill to Hill all
over the Five Nations. As for my Part, I
thought no more of it at that Time, than as
an Artifice to draw a Belly full of strong Li-
quor from me, for himself and his Compan-
ions; but when about ten or twelve Years
afterwards, my Business led me again among
them, I directed the Interpreter to say some-
thing from me to the Sachems ; he was for
some Time at a Loss to understand their An-
swer, till he had asked me whether I had any
Name among them : I then found that I was
really known to them by that Name, and that
the old Sachem, from the Time he had given
me his Name, had assumed another to him-
self. I was adopted, at that Time, into the
Tribe of the Bear, and, for that Reason, I
often afterwards had the kind Compliment of
Brother Bear.

The Hospitality of these Indians is no less

xxix

THE INTRODUCTION.

remarkable, than their other Virtues ; as soon
as any Stranger comes, they are sure to offer
him Victuals. If there be several in Com-
pany, and come from a-f ar, one of their best
Houses is cleaned and given up for their En-
tertainment. Their Complaisance, on these
Occasions, goes even farther than Christian
Civility allows of, as they have no other Rule
for it, than the furnishing their Guest with
every Thing they think will be agreeable to
him ; for this Reason, some of their prettiest
Girls are always ordered to wash themselves,
and dress in their best Apparel, in Order to
be presented to the Stranger, for his Choice ;
and the young Lady, who has the Honour to
be preferred on these Occasions, performs all
the Duties of a fond Wife, during the Strang-
er's Stay: But this last Piece of Hospitality
is now either laid aside by the Mohawks, or,
at least, they never offer it to any Christian.
This Nation indeed has laid aside many of its
ancient Customs, and so likewise have the
other Nations, with whom we are best ac-
quainted; and have adopted many of ours;
so that it is not easy now to distinguish
their original and genuine Manners, from
those which they have lately acquired ; and for
this Reason it is, that they now seldom offer
Victuals to Persons of any Distinction, be-
cause they know, that their Food and Cook-
ery is not agreeable to our delicate Palates.

xxz

THE INTRODUCTION.

Their Men value themselves, in having all
Kind of Food in equal Esteem. A Mohawk
Sachem told me with a Kind of Pride, That
a Man eats every Thing without Distinction,
Bears, Cats, Dogs, Snakes, Frogs, &c., inti-
mating, that it is Womanish, to have any
Delicacy in the Choice of Food.

I can however give two strong Instances of
the Hospitality of the Mohawks, which fell
under my own Observation ; and which shew,
that they have the very same Notion of Hos-
pitality, which we find in the ancient Poets.
When I was last in the Mohawks Country, the
Sachems told me, that they had an English-
man among their People, a Servant who had
run from his Master in New York. I imme-
diately told them, that they must deliver him
up. No, they answered, we never serve any
Man so, who puts himself under our Protec-
tion. On this I insisted on the Injury they
did thereby to his Master ; and they allowed
it might be an Injury, and replied, though
we never will deliver him up, we are willing
to pay the Value of the Servant to the Mas-
ter. Another Man made his Escape from the
Goal of Albany, where he was in Prison on
an Execution for Debt; the Mohawks re-
ceived him, and, as they protected him
against the Sheriff and his Officers, they not
only paid the Debt for him, but gave him
Land, over and above sufficient for a good

xxxi

THE INTRODUCTION.

Faxm, whereon he lived when I was last
there. To this it may be added, all their
extraordinary Visits are accompanied with
giving and receiving Presents of some Value ;
as we learn likewise from Homer was the
Practice in old Times.

Polygamy is not usual among them ; and
indeed, in any Nation, where all are on a
Par, as to Kiches and Power, Plurality of
Wives cannot well be introduced. As all
Kind of Slavery is banished from the Coun-
tries of the Five Nations, so they keep them-
selves free also from the Bondage of Wed-
lock ; and when either of the Parties becomes
disgusted, they separate without Formality
or Ignominy to either, unless it be occasioned
by some scandalous Offence in one of them.
And in Case of Divorce, the Children, ac-
cording to the natural Course of all Animals,
follow the Mother. The Women here bring
forth their Children with as much Ease as
other Animals, and without the Help of a
Midwife, and, soon after their Delivery, re-
turn to their usual Employment. They alone
also perform all the Drudgery about their
Houses, they plant their Corn, and labour it,
in every Eespect, till it is brought to the
Table : They likewise cut all their Fire-wood,
and bring it Home on their Backs, and in
their Marches bear the Burdens. The Men
disdain all Kind of Labour, and employ

zxxii

THE INTRODUCTION.

themselves alone in Hunting, as the only-
proper Business for Soldiers. At Times,
when it is not proper to hunt, one finds the
old Men in Companies, in Conversation ; the
young Men at their Exercises, shooting at
Marks, throwing the Hatchet, Wrestling, or
Eunning, and the Women all busy at Labour
in the Fields.

On these Occasions, the State of Lacedae-
mon ever occurs to my Mind, which that of the
Five Nations, in many Eespects, resembles;
their Laws, or Customs, being, in both,
form'd to render the Minds and Bodies of
the People fit for War.

Theft is very scandalous among them ; and
it is necessary it should be so among all In-
dians, since they have no Locks, but those of
their Minds, to preserve their Goods.

There is one Vice which the Indians have
all fallen into, since their Acquaintance with
the Christians, and of which they could not
be guilty before that Time, that is. Drunken-
ness : It is strange, how all the Indian Na-
tions, and almost every Person among them,
Male and Female, are infatuated with the
Love of strong Drink ; they know no Bounds
to their Desire, while they can swallow it
down, and then indeed the greatest Man
among them scarcely deserves the Name of a
Brute.

They never have been taught to conquer

xxxlii

THE INTRODUCTION.

any Passion, but by some contrary Passion ;
and the Traders, with whom they chiefly
converse, are so far from giving them any
Abhorrence of this Vice, that they encourage
it all they can, not only for the Profit of the
Liquor they sell, but that they may have an
Opportunity to impose upon them. And
this, as they chiefly drink Spirits, has de-
stroyed greater Numbers, than all their Wars
and Diseases put together.

The People of the Five Nations are much
given to Speech-making, ever the natural
Consequence of a perfect Kepublican Govern-
ment ; Where no single Person has a Power
to compel, the Arts of Persuasion alone must
prevail. As their best Speakers distinguish
themselves in their publick Councils and
Treaties with other Nations, and thereby gain
the Esteem and Applause of their Country-
men, (the only Superiority which any one of
them has over the others) it is probable they
apply themselves to this Art, by some Kind
of Study and Exercise, in a great Measure.
It is impossible for me to judge how far they
excel, as I am ignorant of their Language ;
but the Speakers whom I have heard, had all
a great Fluency of Words, and much more
Grace in their Manner, than any Man could
expect, among a People intirely ignorant of
all the liberal Arts and Sciences.

I am informed, that they are very nice in

xxxiv

THE INTRODUCTION.

the Turn of their Expressions, and that few
of themselves are so far Masters of their Lan-
guage, as never to offend the Ears of their
Indian Auditory, by an unpolite Expression.
They have, it seems, a certain Urbanitasj or
Atticism, in their language, of which the com-
mon Ears are ever sensible, though only their
great Speakers attain to it. They are so
much given to SpeecA-making, that their
common Complements, to any Person they
respect, at meeting and parting, are made in
Harangues.

They have some Kind of Elegancy in vary-
ing and compounding their Words, to which,
not many of themselves attain, and this prin-
cipally distinguishes their best Speakers. I
have endeavoured to get some Account of
this, as a Thing that might be acceptable to
the Curious ; but, as I have not met with any
one Person who understands their Language,
and also knows any Thing of Grammar, or of
the learned Languages, I have not been able
to attain the least Satisfaction. Their pres-
ent Minister tells me, that their Verbs are
varied, but in a Manner so different from the
Greek or Latin, that he cannot discover by
what Rule it was done; and even suspects,
that every Verb has a peculiar Mode : They
have but few radical Words, but they com-
pound their Words without End; by this
their Language becomes sufficiently copious,

ZXXY

THE INTRODUCTION.

and leaves Eoom for a good Deal of Art to
please a delicate Ear. Sometimes one Word
among them includes an entire Definition of
the Thing; for Example, they call Wine
Oneharadesehoengtseragherie, as much as to
say, a Liquor made of the Juice of the Grape.
The Words expressing Things lately come to
their Knowledge are all Compounds: They
have no Labeals in their Language, nor can
they pronounce perfectly any Word wherein
there is a Labeal ; and when one endeavours
to teach them to pronounce these Words,
they tell one, they think it ridiculous that
they must shut their Lips to speak. Their
Language abounds with Gutturals and strong
Aspirations, these make it very sonorous and
bold ; and their Speeches abound with Meta-
phors, after the Manner of the Eastern Na-
tions, as will best appear by the Speeches
that I have copied.

As to what religious Notions they have, it
is difficult to judge of them ; because the In-
dians, that speak any English, and live near
us, have learned many Things of us ; and it
is not easy to distinguish the Notions they
had originally among themselves, from those
they have learned of the Christians. It is
certain they have no Kind of publick Wor-
ship, and I am told that they have no radical
Word to express God, but use a compound
Word, signifying the Preserver, Sustainer,

XXX vi

THE mTRODUCTIOK.

or Master of the Universe ; neither could 1
ever learn what Sentiments they have of a
future Existence. Their funeral Rites seem
to be formed upon a Notion of some Kind of
Existence after Death: They make a large
round Hole, in which the Body can be placed
upright, or upon its Haunches, which after
the Body is placed in it, is covered with Tim-
ber, to support the Earth which they lay
over, and thereby keep the Body free from
being pressed ; they then raise the Earth in
a round Hill over it. They always dress the
Corps in aU its Finery, and put Wampum and
other Things into the Grave with it; and the
Relations suffer not Grass or any Weed
to grow on the Grave, and frequently visit
it with Lamentations: But whether these
Things be done only as Marks of Respect to
the Deceased, or from a Notion of some Kind
of Existence after Death, must be left to the
Judgment of the Reader.

They are very superstitious in observing
Omens and Dreams; I have observed them
shew a superstitious Awe of the Owl, and be
highly displeased with some that mimicked
the Cry of that Bird in the Night. An Ofla-
cer of the regular Troops has informed me
also, that while he had the Command of the
Garrison at Oswego, a Boy of one of the far
Westward Nations died there; the Parents
made a regular Pile of split Wood, laid the

zxxvii

THE INTRODUCTION.

Corps upon it, and burnt it; while the Pile
was burning, they stood gravely looking on,
without any Lamentation, but when it was
burnt down, they gathered up the Bones
with many Tears, put them into a Box, and
carried them away with them 5 and this In-
clination, which all ignorant People have to
Superstition and amusing Ceremonies, gives
the Popish Priests a great Advantage in rec-
ommending their Keligion, beyond what the
Regularity of the Protestant Doctrine allows
of.

Queen Anne sent over a Missionary to re-
side among the Mohawks, and allowed him a
sufficient Subsistence from the privy Purse ;
she sent Furniture for a Chapel, and a val-
uable set of Plate for the Communion Table ;
and (if I am not mistaken) the like Furniture
and Plate for each of the other Nations,
though that of the Mohawks was only ap-
plied to the Use designed. The common
Prayer, or at least a considerable Part of it,
was translated also into their Language and
printed; some other Pieces were likewise
translated for the Minister's Use, viz. : An
Exposition of the Creed, Decalogue, Lord's
Prayer, and Church Catechism, and a Dis-
course on the Sacraments. But as that Min-
ister was never able to attain any tolerable
Knowledge of their Language, and was nat-
urally a heavy Man, he had but small Suc-

zxxviii

THE INTRODUCTION.

cess; and his Allowance failing, by the
Queen's Death, he left them. These Nations
had no Teacher, from that Time, till within
these few Years, that a young Gentleman,
out of pious Zeal, went voluntarily among
the Mohawks. He was at first intirely igno-
rant of their Language, and had no Interpre-
ter, except one of the Indians, who under-
stood a little English, and had, in the late
Missionary's Time, learn' d to read and write
in his own Language. He learned from him
how to pronounce the Words in the Transla-
tions, which had been made for the last Mis-
sionaiy's Use. He set up a School, to teach
their Children to read and write their own
Language; and they made surprizing Profi-
ciency, considering their Master did not un-
derstand their Language. I happened to be
in the Mohawk Country, and saw several of
their Performances ; I was present at their
Worship, where they went through some
Part of the Common Prayer with great De-
cency. I was likewise present, several
Times, at their private Devotions, which
some of them performed duly, Morning and
Evening. I had also many Opportunities of
observing the great Regard they had for this
young Man ; so far, that the Fear of his leav-
ing them made the greatest Restraint on
them, with which he threatened them, after
they had been guilty of any Offence. Soon

zzzix

THE INTRODUCTION.

after that Time, this Gentleman went to
England, received Orders, and was sent by
the Society, Missionary to Albany, with Lib-
erty to spend some Part of his Time among
the Mohawks.

I had lately a Letter from him, dated the
seventh of December, 1641, in which he
writes as follows : " Drunkenness was so com-
mon among them, that 1 doubt, whether there
was one grown Person of either Sex free from
it ; seldom a Day passed, without some, and
very often forty or fifty being drunk at a
Time. But I found they were very fond of
keeping me among them, and afraid I should
leave them, which I made Use of to good
Purpose; daily threatning them with my
Departure, in Case they did not forsake that
Vice, and frequently requiring a particular
Promise from them singly ; by which Means
(through God's Blessing) there was a gradual
Reformation; and I know not that I have
seen above ten or twelve Persons drunk
among them this Summer. The Women are
almost all entirely reformed, and the Men
very much. They have intirely left off Di-
vorces, and are legally married. They are
very constant and devout at church and Fam-
ily Devotions. They have not been known to
exercise Cruelty to Prisoners, and have, in a
great Measure, left off going a fighting, which
I find the most difficult, of all Things, to dis-

THE INTRODUCTION.

suade them from. They seem also persuaded
of the Truths of Christianity. The greatest
Inconveniency I labour under, is the Want
of an Interpreter, which could I obtain, for
two or three Years, I should hope to be toler-
ably Master of their Language, and be able
to render it easier to my Successor."

This Gentleman's uncommon Zeal deserves,
I think, this publick Testimony, that it may
be a Means of his receiving such Encourage-
ment, as may enable him to pursue the pious
Purposes he has in View.

The Mohawks, were they civilized, may be
useful to us many Ways, and, on many Occa-
sions, more than any of our own People can
be ; and this well deserves to be considered.

There is one Custom their Men constantly
observe, which I must not forget to mention;
That if they^ be sent with any Message,
though it demand the greatest IXspatch, or
though they bring Intelligence of any immi-
nent Danger, they never tell it at their first
Approach ; but sit down for a Minute or two,
at least, in Silence, to recollect themselves,
before they speak, that they may not shew
any Degree of Fear or Surprize, by an inde-
cent Expression. Every sudden Repartee,
in a publick Treaty, leaves with them an
Impression of a light inconsiderate Mind;
but, in private Conversation, they use, and
are delighted with brisk witty Answers, as

THE INTRODUCTION.

we can be. By this they shew the great Dif-
ference they place between the Conversations
of Man and Man, and of Nation and Nation ;
and in this, and a thousand other Things,
might well be an Example to the European
Nations.

xlii

THE

CONTENTS.

Editor^s Introduction, . . . page ix

The Introduction, being a short View of the
Form of Government of the Five Nations,
and of their Laws and Customs, . xv

PART I. CHAP. I.

Of the Wars of the Five Nations, with the
Adirondacks and Quatoghies, . • 1

CHAP. 11.

The Wars and Treaties of Peace of the In-
dians of the Five Nations with the French,
from 1665 to 1683, and their Affairs with
New York in that time, . . .16

CHAP. m.

Of the Transactions of the Indians of the
Five Nations with the neighbouring Eng-
lish Colonies, 22

CHAP. IV.

Mons. De la Barres Expedition, and some re-
markable Transactions in 1684, . 54

xliii

THE CONTENTS.

CHAP. V.

The English attempt to trade in the Lakes,
and the French attack the Senekas, . 72

CHAP. VI.

Colonel Dongan's Advice to the Indians.
Adario's Enterprize, and Montreal sacked
by the Five Nations, . . .84

PART II. CHAP. I.

The State of Affairs in New- York and Canada
at the Time of the Revolution in Great-
Britain, 107

CHAP. n.

A Treaty between the Agents of Massachu-
sets-Bay, New-Plymouth, and Connecticut,
and the Sachems of the Five Nations at Al-
bany, in the Year 1689, . . .119

CHAP. in.

An Account of a general Council of the Five
Nations at Onondaga, to consider of the
Count De Frontenac's Message, . 127

CHAP. IV.

The French surprize Schenectady. The Mo-
hawks Speech of Condolance on that Occa-
sion^ 138

zltv

THE CONTENTS.

CHAP. V.

The Five Nations continue the War with the
French. The Mohawks encline to Peace.
Their Conferences with the Governor of
New- York, 149

CHAP. VI.

The English attack Montreal by Land, in
Conjunction with the Indians, andQuebeck
by Sea, 157

CHAP. VIL

The French, and the Five Nations, continue
the War all Winter with various Success.
The French bum a Captain of the Five Na-
tions alive, 164

CHAP. vni.

The Five Nations treat with Captain Ingolds-
by, 173

CHAP. IX.

The French surprize, and take three Mohawk
Castles, . ^ . . . .179

CHAP. X.

The Treaties and Negotiations the Five Na-
tions had with the English and French in
the Years 1693, and 1694, . . 191

xlv

THE CONTENTS.

CHAP. XL

The War continued. The French repossus ^
themselves of Cadarackui Fort; and i'l.A
means to break off the Treaty between the
Five Nations and Dionondadies, . 232

CHAP. XIL

The Count De Frontenac attacks Onondaga in
Person with the whole Force of Canada.
The Five Nations continue the War with
the French, and make Peace with the Dio-
nondadiesy 242

CHAP. XIII.

The Conduct which the English and French
observed in regard to the Five Nations, im-
mediately after the Peace of Ryswick, 253

zivi

VOCABULARY

Some Words and Names used by the Frevich
Authors^ who treat of the Indian Affairs^
which are different from the Names of the
same People or Plxicesy tised or understood
by the English^ and may therefore be useful
to those who intend to read the French Ac-
counts, or compare them with the Accounts
now published.

Names used by The same are called by the
the French. English, or by the Five

Nations,

Benaguies.

Algonkins.
Amihouis.

Aniez.

OWenagungas, or New
England Indians, and

are sometimes called the

Eastern Indians.
Adirondacks.
Dionondadies, or Tuinonda-

deks, a Branch or Tribe

of the Quatoghies.
Mohawks, called likewise

Maquas.

xlvii

A VOCABULARY, &c.

Names used hy

The same are called hy the

the Fr&mh.

English^ or by the Five

Nations.

Bay des Puans.

Enitajiche.

Chigagou.

Caneraghik.

Corlaer, or

Schenectady. But the Five

Corlard.

Nations coiiirnonly call

the Governor of New-

York by this Name, and

often the People of the

Province of New- York in

general.

Detroit.

Teuchsagrondie.

Hurons

Quatoghie.

Hinois.

Chictaghicks.

Iroquois.

The Five Nations.

Lac Huron.

Caniatare, or Quatoghe

lake.

Loups.

Scahkook Indians.

Manhattan.

New- York City.

Mascoutecs.

Odislastagheks.

Mourigan.

Mahikander, or River In-

dians, living on Hudson' s

River, below Alba.ny.

Miamies.

Twightwies.

Missiliiiiakinak.

Teiodondoraghie.

Missisakies.

Achsisaghecks.

Oneyouts.

Oneydoes.

Ontario lac.

Cadarackui Lake.

Orange.

Albany.

Outagamies.

Quacksies, and Scunksiks.

Xiviii

A VOCABULARY, &c.

Names used by
the French.

Outawas.

E.enards.

Sauiteurs.

Shaouonons.

Tateras.

Terre rouge.

Tongorias.

Tsonontouans.

I%e same are called by the
English^ or by the Five
Nations.

Utawawas, or Dewagunhab.

Quaksies.

Estiaghicks.

Satanas.

Toderiks.

Scunksik.

Erighecks.

Senekas.

xlix

THE

PREFACE

TO THE

First Part

THOUGH every one that is in the least
acquainted with the Affairs of North-
America, knows of what Consequence the In-
dians, commonly known to the People of Xew-
York by the Name of the Five Nations, are,
both in Peace and War ; I know of no Accounts
of them, published in English, but what are
very imperfect, and indeed meer Translations
of French Authors, who themselves know lit-
tle of the Truth. This seems to throw some
Reflections on the Inhabitants of our Pro-
vince, as if we wanted Curiosity to enquire
into our own Affairs, and were willing to rest
satisfied with the Accounts the French give
us of our own Indians, notwithstandiug that
the French in Canada are always in a differ-
ent Interest, and sometimes in open Hostility
with us. This Consideration, I hope, will
justify my attempting to write an History of

THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST PART.

the Five Nations at this time; and having
had the Perusal of the Minutes of the Com-
missioners for Indian Affairs, I have been
enabled to collect many Materials for this
History, which are not to be found anywhere
else ; and cannot but think, that a History of
this Kind will be of great Use to all the Brit-
ish Colonies in North- America^. since it may
enable them to learn Experience at the Ex-
pence of others : And if I can contribute any
Thing to so good a Purpose, I shall not think
my Labour lost.

It will be necessary for me here to say
something in Excuse of two Things in the
following Performance, which, I am afraid,
will naturally be found Fault with in it.
The first is, the filling up so great Part of
the Work with the Adventures of small Par-
ties, and^ sometimes with those of one single
Man : And the second is, the inserting so
many Speeches at length.

As to the first, the History of Indians
would be very lame, without an Account of
these private Adventures ; for their warlike
Expeditions are almost always carried on by
surprising each other, and their whole Art
of War consists in managing small Parties.
The whole Country being one continued For-
est, gives great Advantages to these skulking
Parties, and has obliged the Christians to
imitate the Indians in this Method of making

111

THE PREFACE TO THE PmsT PART.

War among them. And some would, doubt-
less, be desirous to know the Manners and
Customs of the Indians, in their publick
Treaties especially, who could not be satis-
fied without taking Notice of several minute
Circumstances, and Things otherwise of no
Consequence. We are fond of searching into
remote Antiquity, to know the Manners of
our earliest Progenitors; and, if I am not
mistaken, the Indians are living Images of
them.

My Design therefore in the second was,
that thereby the Genius of the Indians might
appear. An Historian may paint Mens Ac-
tions in lively Colours, or in faint Spaces, as
he likes best, and in both Cases preserve a
perfect Likeness; but it will be a difficult
Task to shew the Wit, Judgment, Art, Sim-
plicity, and Ignorance of the several Parties,
managing a Treaty, in other Words than
their own. As to my Part, I thought my-
self incapable of doing it, without depriving
the judicious Observer of the Opportunity
of discovering much of the Indian Genius,
by my contracting or paraphrasing their Ha-
rangues, and without committing often gross
Mistakes. For, on these Occasions, a skilful
Manager often talks confusedly, and ob-
scurely, with Design ; which if an Historian
should endeavour to amend, the Reader
would receive the History in a false Light.

liii

THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST PART.

The Reader will find a great Difference be-
tween some of the Speeches here given of
those made at Albany, and those taken from
the French Authors. Ours are genuine and
truly related, as delivered by the sworn In-
terpreters, of whom Truth only is required ;
a rough Stile, with Truth, is preferable to
Eloquence without it : This may be said in
Justification of the Indian Expression,
though I must own, that I suspect our Inter-
preters may not have done Justice to the In-
dian Eloquence. For the Indians having but
few Words, and few complex Ideas, use
many Metaphors in their Discourse, which
interpreted by an unskilful Tongue, may ap-
pear mean, and strike our Imagination faintly ;
but under the Pen of a skilful Representer,
might strongly move our Passions by their
lively Images. I have heard an old Indian
Sachem speak with much Vivacity and Elo-
cution, so that the Speaker pleased and
moved the Auditors with the Manner of de-
livering his Discourse ; which however, as it
afterwards came from the Interpreter, disap-
pointed us in our Expectations. After the
Speaker had employed a considerable Time
in haranguing with much Elocution, the In-
terpreter often explained the whole by one
single Sentence. I believe the Speaker, in
that Time, embellished and adorned his Fig-
ures, that they might have their full Force

liv

THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST PART.

on the Imagination, while the Interpreter
contented himself with the Sense, in as few
Words as it could be expressed.

He that first writes the History of Things,
which are not generally known, ought to
avoid, as much as possible, to make the Evi-
dence of the Truth depend intirely on his
own Veracity and Judgment; and for this
E-eason I have related several Transactions in
the Words of the Registers, when this is once
done, he that shall write afterwards, need not
act with so much Caution.

The History of these Indians, I promise
myself, will give an agreeable Amusement to
many ; almost every one will find something
in it suited to his own Palate ; but every Line
will not please every Man ; on the contrary,
one will naturally approve what another con-
demns, as one desires to know what another
thinks not worth the Trouble of reading ; for
which Reason, I think, it is better to run the
Risque of being sometimes tedious to certain
Readers, than to omit any Thing that may
be useful to the World.

I have sometimes thought, that Histories
wrote with all the Delicacy of a fine Ro-
mance, are like French Dishes, more agree-
able to the Palate than the Stomach and less
wholesome than more common and coarser
Diet.

An Historian's Views must be curious and

THE PREFACE TO THE FIRST PART.

extensive, and the History of different Peo-
ple and different Ages requires different
Rules, and often different Abilities to write
it; I hope therefore the Reader will, from
these Considerations, receive this first At-
tempt of this kind, with more than usual
Allowances.

The Inhabitants of New- York have been
much more concerned in the Transactions,
which followed the Year 1688, than in those
which preceded it. And as it requires un-
common Courage and Resolution to engage
willingly in the Wars against a cruel and
barbarous Enemy, I should be sorry to forget
any that might deserve to be remembered by
their Country, with Gratitude on that Occa-
sion.

Ivi

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Five INDIAN Nations,

DEPENDING

On the Province oi NEW-YORK.

PART I.

The History of the Five Nations, from the
Time the Christians first knew any Thing
of them J to that of the Revolution in Great-
Britain,

CHAP. I.

Of the Wars of the Five Nations with the
AdirondoAiks and Quatoghies.

THE first Settlers of New-Yotk having
been little curious in inquiring into
the Indian Affairs, further than what related
to Trade; or, at least, having neglected to
transmit their Discoveries to Posterity, it is
much more difficult to give a just History of
Vol. I.— 1 1

THE HISTORY OF THE

these Nations before, than since the Time of
their being under the Crown of England.
What we can learn of Certainty, however, is
this. The French settled at Canada in the
Year 1603, six Years before the Dutch pos-
sessed themselves of New-Netherlands, now
called New- York, and found the Five Nations
at War with the Adirondacks, which, they tell
us, was occasioned in the following Manner.
The Adirondacks formerly lived three-hun-
dred Miles above Trois Rivieres, where now
the Utawawas are situated ; at that Time they
employed themselves wholly in Hunting, and
the Five Nations made planting of Corn their
Business. By this Means they became use-
ful to each other, by exchanging Corn for
Venison. The Adirondacks, however, valued
themselves, as delighting in a more manly
Employment, and despised the Five Nations,
in following Business, which they thought
only fit for Women. But it once happened,
that the Game failed the Adirondacks, which
made them desire some of the young Men of
the Five Nations to assist them in Hunting.
These young Men soon became much more
expert in Hunting, and able to endure Fa-
tigues, than the Adirondacks expected or de-
sired ; in short, they became jealous of them,
and, one Night, murdered all the young Men
they had with them. The Five Nations com-
plained to the Chiefs of the Adirondacks, of

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the Inhumanity of this Action ; but they con-
tented themselves with blaming the Murder-
ers, and ordered them to make some small
Presents * to the Relations of the murdered
Persons, without being apprehensive of the
[Resentment of the Five Nations; for they
looked upon them, as Men not capable of
taking any great Revenge.

This however provoked the Five Nations
to that Degree, that they soon resolved, by
some Means, to be revenged ; and the Adi-
rondacks being informed of their Designs,
thought to prevent them, by reducing them
with Force to their Obedience.

The Five Nations then lived near where
Mont Real now stands ; they defended them-
selves at first but faintly against the vigorous
Attacks of the Adirondacks, and were forced
to leave their own Country, and fly to the
Banks of the Lakes where they live now. As
they were hitherto Losers by the War, it
obliged them to apply themselves to the Ex-
ercise of Arms, in which they became daily
more and more expert. Their Sachems, in
order to raise their People's Spirits, turned
them against the Satanas,t a less warlike

*It is still a Custom among the Indians, to ex-
piate Murder by Presents to the Relations of the
Person killed.

t They are called Shaouonons, by the French, and
live now on one of the Banks of the Misissipi,

THE HISTORY OF THE

Nation, who then lived on the Banks of the
Lakes ; for they found it was difficult to re-
move the Dread their People had of the
Valour of the Adirondacks. The Five Na-
tions soon subdued the Satanas, and drove
them out of their Country; and their Peo-
ple's Courage being thus elevated, they, from
this Time, not only defended themselves
bravely against the whole Force of the Adi-
rondacks, but often carried the War into the
Heart of the Adirondack's Country, and, at
last, forced them to leave it, and to fly into
that Part of the Country, where Quebeck is
now built.

There are more Instances than one in His-
tory, of poor dispirited Nations, that by some
signal Affront or Abuse have had their
Spirits so raised, that they have not only
performed notable Things on a sudden, but,
if they happened, at the same Time, to be
led and governed by wise Men, have so far
kept up, and improved that Spirit, that they
have become, in a Manner, a different People.
Let us examine History, and we shall find,
that the different Figure every Country has
made in the World, has been ever principally
owing to the Principles which were inculcated
into, and carefully cultivated in the People.
In this chiefly consists the Art of making a
Nation glorious, or the Crime of debasing
them into Servitude or Slavery. It was from

FIVB INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the Notions of Liberty, Honour, and Glory,
and such wise and generous Principles, which
the meanest Citizen among the old Romans
entertained, that they became so great and
powerful, and a Terror to all Nations; as
the sordid, timorous, cunning Artifices, and
the Love of Wealth and sensual Pleasures,
cultivated among the present Romans, has
debased them now into the meanest and least
feared Nation on the Earth. The History of
the Five Nations will readily shew, how far
the ancient Roman Principles have been cul-
tivated among them.

Soon after this Change of the People of
these Nations, the French arrived at Canada,
and settled at Quebeck; and they thinking it
adviseable to gain the Esteem and Friendship
of the Adirondacks, in whose Country they
settled^ Monsieur Champlain, the first Gov-
ernor of Canada, joined the Adirondacks in
an Expedition against the Five Nations.
They met a Party of two-hundred Men of the
Five Nations in Corlar's Lake, which the
French, on this Occasion called by Monsieur
Champlain' s Name, and both Sides went
ashore to prepare for Battle, which proved to
the Disadvantage of the Five Nations. The
French, in short, kept themselves undiscov-
ered, till the Moment they began to join Bat-
tle; and their Fire-arms surprised the Five
Nations so much, that they were immediately

THE HISTORY OF THE

put into Confusion; for, before that Time,
they had never seen such Weapons. The
Trade with the French, soon after this, drew
most of the neighbouring Nations to Quebeck,
and they all joined in the War against the
Five Nations.

The Adirondacks having their Numbers
thus increased, and their Fire-arms giving
them new Confidence, proposed nothing less
to themselves, than the intire Destruction of
the Five Nations. Upon this, their young
Warriors became fierce and insolent, and
would not be kept imder any Discipline
or Subjection to their Captains; but, upon
all Occasions, rashly attacked the Enemy,
who were obliged to keep themselves upon
the defensive; and to make up what they
wanted in Force, by Stratagems, and a skil-
ful Management of the War. The young
Men of the Five Nations soon perceived
the Advantages they gained by this Con-
duct, and every Day grew more submissive
to their Captains, and diligent in executing
any Enterprize.

The Five Nations sent out small Parties
only, who meeting with great Numbers of the
Adirondacks, retired before them with seem-
ing Terror, while the Adirondacks pusued
them with Fury, and without Thought, till
they were cunningly drawn into Ambuscades,
where most of their Men were killed or taken

nVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

Prisoners, with little or no Loss to the Five
Nations.

The Adirondacks, by this Means, wasted
away, and their boldest Soldiers were almost
intirely destroyed, while the Number of the
Five Nations were increased, by the Addition
of the Prisoners, which they took from the
Satanas.

The wisest and best Soldiers of the Adi-
rondacks, when it was too late, now at length
discovered, that they must learn the Art of
War from those Enemies that they at first
despised ; and now five of their Captains en-
deavoured to perform by themselves singly,
with Art and by Stratagem, what they could
not do by Force at the Head of their Armies;
they had however no longer any Hopes of
conquering, their Thoughts were only set on
Revenge.

It is not improper to observe here, once
for all, that in writing the History of In-
dians, it is often necessary to give an Ac-
count of the Enterprizes of single Persons,
otherwise the Indian Genius can never be
known, or their Manner of making War un-
derstood. An Indian named Piskaret was at
this Time one of the Captains of gi'catest
Fame among the Adirondacks: This bold
Man, with four other Captains, set out for
Trois-Rivieres in one Canoe, each of them
being provided with three Musquets, which

THE HISTORY OF THE

they loaded with two Bullets apiece, jomed
with a small Chain ten Inches long ; they met
with five Canoes in Sorel River, each having
ten Men of the Five Nations on Board. Pis-
karet and his Captains, as soon as those of
the Five Nations drew near, pretended to
give themselves up for lost, and sung their
Death Song,* then suddenly fired upon the
Canoes, which they repeated with the Arms
that lay ready loaded, and tore those Birch
Vessels betwixt Wind and Water. The Men
of the Five Nations were so surprized, that
they tumbled out of their Canoes, and gave
Piskaret and his Companions the Opportunity
of knocking as many of them on the Head
as they pleased, and saving the others, to
feed their Eevenge, which they did, by burn-
ing them alive with the most cruel Torments.
This however was so far from glutting Piska-
ret' s Revenge, that it seemed rather to give a
keener Edge to it ; for he soon after under-
took another Enterprize, in which none of his
Countrymen durst accompany him : He was
well acquainted with the Country of the Five
Nations, and set out about the Time the Snow
began to melt, with the Precaution of putting
the hinder Part of his Snow Shoes forward,

* It is a Custom among the iDdian Prisoners of
War, when led to Death, to sing an Account of their
own Exploits; and this they are hardy enough to
continue even in the midst of Tortures.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

that if any should happen upon his Foot-
steps, they might think he was gone the con-
trary Way; and, for further Security, went
along the Eidges and high Grounds, where
the Snow was melted, that his Track might
be often lost ; when he came near one of the
Villages of the Five Nations, he hid himself
till Night, and then entered a Cabin, while
every Body was fast asleep, murdered the
whole Family, and carried their Scalps into
his lurking Place. The next day the People
of the Village searched for the Murderer in
vain. The following Night he murdered all
he found in another Cabin. The Inhabitants
next Day searched likewise in vain for the
Murderer ; but the third Night a Watch was
kept in every House. Piskaret in the Night
bundled up the Scalps he had taken the two
former Nights, to carry, as the Proof of his
Victory, and then stole privately from House
to House, till at last he found an Indian nod-
ding, who was upon the Watch in one of the
Houses ; he knockt this Man on the Head ;
but as this alarmed the rest, he was forced
immediately to fly. He was however under
no great Concern from the Pursuit, being
more swift of Foot than any Indian then liv-
ing. He let his Pursuers come near him
from Time to Time, and then would dart
from them. This he did with Design to tire
them out with the Hopes of overtaking Him.

THE HISTORY OP THE

As it began to grow daxk, he hid himself , and
his Pursuers stop'd to rest. They not being
apprehensive of any Danger from a single
Man, soon fell asleep, and the bold Piskaret
observing this, knocked them all on the
Head, and carried away their Scalps with the
rest. Such Stories as these are told among
the Indians, as extraordinary Instances of the
Courage and Conduct of their Captains. The
Indians will often travel thus three or four
Hundred Miles singly, or two or three in
Company, and lurk about their Enemy's Bor-
ders for several Weeks, in Hopes to revenge
the Death of a near Relation or dear Friend.
Indeed they give themselves so very much
up to Revenge, that this Passion seems to
gnaw their Souls, and gives them no Rest
till they satisfy it. It is this Delight in Re-
venge, that makes all barbarous Nations
cruel ; and the curbing such Passions is one
of the happy Eifects of being civilized.

The Five Nations are so much delighted
with Stratagems in War, that no Superiority
of their Forces ever make them neglect them.
They amused the Adirondacks and their Al-
lies the Quatoghies (called by the French
Hurons) by sending to the French, and de-
siring Peace. The French desired them to
receive some Priests among them, in Hopes
that those prudent Fathers would, by some
Art, reconcile them to their Interest, and en-

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

gage their Affections. The Five Nations
readily accepted the Offer, and some Jesuits
went along with them : But after they had
the Jesuits in their Power, they used them
only as Hostages, and thereby obliged the
French to stand neuter, while they prepared
to attack the Adirondacks and Quatoghies,
and they defeated the Quatoghies in a dread-
ful Battle fought within two Leagues of Que-
beck.

The French own, That if the Five Nations
had known their Weakness at that Time, they
might have easily destroyed the whole Colony.

This Defeat, in Sight of the French Settle-
ments, struck Terror into all their Allies, who
were at that Time very numerous, because of
the Trade with the French, which furnished
them with many the most useful Convenien-
cies ; for before that Time the Indians had
no Iron Tool among them.

The Nipeceriniens, who then lived on the
Banks of St. Laurence Kiver, fled upon this
to the Northward, believing that the extreme
Coldness of the Climate, and a barren Soil,
would be the securest Defence against the
Ambition of the Five Nations. The Re-
mainder of the Quatoghies fled with the Uta-
wawas South westward ; and for the greater
Security, settled in an Island, which being
further than the Name of the Five Nations
had then reached, they trusted to the Dis-

THE HISTORY OP THE

tance of the Place, and the Advantage of its
Situation.

Their last Expedition having succeeded so
well, the Five Nations gave out, that they
intended next Winter to visit Yonnendio, (the
Name they give to the Governor of Canada ;)
these Visits are always made with much
Shew. Under this Pretence they gathered
together 1000 or 1200 Men. Their out Scouts
met with Piskaret near Niccolet River, and
still pretending a friendly Visit to the Gov-
ernor of Canada, as their only Design, he told
them, that the Adirondacks were divided into
two Bodies, one of which hunted on the
North Side of St. Laurence River at Wab-
make, three Leagues above Trois Rivieres,
and the other at Nicolet. As soon as they
had gained this Information, they killed him,
and returned with his Head to the Army.
The Five Nations divided likewise into two
Bodies ; they surprized the Adirondacks in
both Places, and in both cut them in pieces.

Thus the most warlike and polite Nation
of all the Lidians in North America, was al-
most intirely destroyed by a People they at
first despised, and by a War which their
Pride and Injustice brought upon them ; and
we here see, that all the Advantages of
Numbers, Courage and Weapons, is not equal
to good discipline in an Army.

A very few Adirondacks only now remain

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

in some Villages near Quebeck, who still
waste away and decay, by their drinking
strong Waters, the' when the French first
settled at Quebeck, 1500 fighting Men of them
lived between that Place and Sillerie, which
are only a league distant, besides those that
lived at Saquenay, Trois Rivieres, and some
other Places. And since this decisive Battle,
the Adirondacks have never been considered as
of any Consequence, either in Peace or War.
The Quatoghies and Atawawas now soon
began to be in Want of the European Com-
modities, which had made them cousiderable
among their new Friends. In order there-
fore to supply themselves anew, they re-
turned to Trade at Quebeck; and by this
Means the Place of their Eetreat was discov-
ered to the Five Nations ; and they not hav-
ing their Revenge satiated, while the Quatog-
hies had a Being, soon convinced them, that
no Extent of Country could set bounds to
that Passion, when it rages in the Hearts of
the Five Nations, for they soon after attacked
them in their new Settlement. The Quatog-
hies had the good Fortune to discover the
Five Nations Time enough to make their Es-
cape, and fled to the Putewatemies, who lived
a Day's Journey further, where they, and all
the Neighbouring Nations, secured them-
selves in a large Fort. The Five Nations fol-
lowed, but, being in Want of Provision, they

THE HISTORY OP THE

could not attempt a Siege, and therefore pro-
posed a Treaty with the Putewatemies, which
was accepted. The Putewatemies acknowl-
edged the Five Nations as Masters of all the
Nations round them, applauded their Valour,
and promised them their Friendship, and to
supply them with Provisions ; they would not
however trust themselves out of their Fort,
but sent out a Supply ; and even this they
did, only with Design to do that by Treach-
ery, which they durst not attempt by Force ;
for the Provisions were poisoned. The
Treachery was discovered however to the
Five Nations, by an old Quatoghie, who had
a Son Prisoner among them; his Affection
for his Son overcoming even his Hatred to
his Country's Enemies. This Treachery
highly enraged the Five Nations against the
Putewatemies, and the neighbouring People ;
but Famine obliging them to retire at this
Time, they divided their Armies into Parties,
the better to provide for their Subsistence, by
Hunting ; one of these Parties in their Chace
fell in with a Village of the Chicktaghicks
(called by the French Hinois) and surprized
the old Men, Women and Children, when the
young Men were abroad hunting; but the
young Men, upon their Return, gathering
together all the rest of the Villages, pursued
this Party of the Five Nations, and recovered
the Prisoners.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

This was the first Time that the Five Na-
tious had been seen in those Parts, but their
Name was become so terrible, that the Chig-
taghcicks, notwithstanding this Advantage,
left their Country, and fled to the Nations
that lived westward, till the General Peace
was settled by the French, and not till on
that Occasion returned to their own Country.

CHAP. 11.

The Wars and Treaties of PeoA^e of the

Indians of the Five Nations with the

French, from 1665 to 1683, and their Af-
fairs with New- York in that Time,

IN June 1665 Monsieur De Trasi appointed
Vice-Roy of America by the French
King, arrived at Quebeck, after he had vis-
ited the French Islands in the West Indies,
and brought with him four Companies of
Foot; and in September of the same Year,
Mr. Coursel arrived Governor General of
Canada; he brought with him a Regiment
and several Families, with all Things neces-
sary for establishing of a Colony. Their
Force being now thus considerably augmented,
the French Governor resolved to chastise the
Insolence of the Five Nations ; and for that
Purpose, in the Winter, sent out a Party

THE HISTORY OP THE

against the Mohawks, but these by the Cold,
and their not knowing the Use of Snow
Shoes, suffered very much, without doing any
Thing against the Enemy.

This Party however fell in with Skenec-
tady,* a small Town which Corlear (a con-
siderable Man among the Dutch) had then
newly settled. When they appeared near
Skenectady, they were almost dead with Cold
and Hunger; and the Indians, who were
then in that Village, had intirely destroyed
them, if Corlear, (in Compassion to his fellow
Christians) had not contrived their Escape.
He had a mighty Influence over the Indians ;
and it is from him, and in Remembrance of
his Merit, that all Governors of New-York
are called Corlear by the Indians to this Day,
tho' he himself was never Governor. He
persuaded the Indians, that this was a small
Party of the French Army come to amuse
them, that the great Body was gone directly
towards their Castles, and that it was neces-
sary for them immediately to go in Defence
of their Wives and Children. This they be-
lieved, and readily obeyed; and as soon as
the Indians were gone, he sent to the French,
and supplied them with Provisions and other
Necessaries to carry them back. The French

♦The French call this Town Corlear, from the
Person's Name who first settled there. It is situate
on the Mohawks River sixteen Miles from Albany.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Governor, in Order to reward so signal a Ser-
vice, invited Corlear to Canada; but as he
went through the great Lake, which lies to
the Northward of Albany, his Canoe was
overset, and he was drowned ; and from this
Accident that Lake has ever since been called
Corlear' s Lake, by the People of New- York.
There is a Rock in this Lake, on which the
Waves dash and fly up to a great Height ;
when the Wind blows hard, the Indians be-
lieve, that an old Indian lives under this
Rock, who has the Power of the Winds ; and
therefore, as they pass it in their Voyages
over, they always throw a Pipe, or some other
small Present to this old Indian, and pray a
favourable Wind. The English that pass
with them sometimes laugh at them, but they
are sure to be told of Corlear' s Death. Your
great Countryman Corlear (say they) as he
passed by this Rock, jested at our Fathers
making Presents to this Old Indian, and in
Derision turned up his Backside, but this
Affront cost him his Life.

In the following Spring the Vice-Roy and
the Governor of Canada, with twenty eight
Companies of Foot, and all the Militia of the
Colony, marched into the Country of the
Mohawks, with a Design to destroy this Na-
tion, which by their Wars not only prevented
their Commerce with the western Indians,
but likewise often put their Colony in Danger.

Vol. L-3 17

THE HISTORY OP THE

It certainly was a bold Attempt, to inarch
above 700 Miles from Quebeck through vast
unknown Forests. The Mohawks however,
on their Approach, Men, Women, and Chil-
dren, retired into the Woods, and all that the
French were able to do, was to bum some
Villages, and to murder some old Sachems
that (like the old Roman Senators,) chose
rather to dye than to desert their Houses.

The French were so conceited before, of
their Superiority over the Indians in their
Skill of War, and their Weapons, that they
thought they could not escape, but the little
Honour or Advantage they got by this Ex-
pedition lessened their Vanity, and made
them desirous of Peace ; and the Five Nations
remaining fearful of the French fire Arms, it
was without much Difficulty concluded in the
Year 1667.

The Five Nations however being naturally
very enterprizing and haughty, one of their
Parties some Time after met with some
French in their hunting, and quarrelled with
them. The Indians had the Advantage, they
killed several of the French, and carried one
Prisoner into their own Country. Monsieur
de Coursel sent on this to threaten the Five
Nations with War, if they did not deliver up
these Murderers; and the Five Nations, to
shew their publick Displeasure at this Breach
of Peace, sent Agariata, the Captain of the

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Company that did the Mischief, with forty
others, to beg Pardon ; but Monsieur Coursel
was resolved to make an Example of A ga-
riata, and ordered him to be hanged in Sight
of his Countrymen; and the French think
that this Severity was a great Means of pre-
serving the Peace till the Year 1683.

The Dutch, who settled in the New Nether-
lands, now called New- York, in 1609, en-
tered into an Alliance with the Five Nations,
which continued without any Breach on
either Side, till the English gained this
Country. The Dutch gained the Hearts of
the Five Nations by their kind Usage, and
were frequently useful to the French, in sav-
ing those of them that were prisoners from
the Cruelty of the Indians.

In 1664, New-York being taken by the
English, they likewise immediately entered
into a Friendship with the Five Nations,
which has continued without the least Breach
to this Day ; and History, I believe, cannot
give an Instance of the most Christian or
most Catholick Kings observing a Treaty so
strictly, and for so long a Time as these Bar-
barians, as they are called, have done.

The English and French (Peace being every
where settled) now endeavoured to extend
their Commerce and Alliances among the
Indian Nations, that live to the westward of
Hew- York. The French however, in their

THE HISTORY OF THE

Measures, discovered always a Design of con-
quering and commanding ; for with this View
Mr. de Frontenac, who had succeeded in the
Government of Canada, in the Year 1672, per-
suaded the Five Nations to allow him to build
a Fort on the north Side of Cadarackui Lake,
under Pretence of a Store for IVIerchandise,
and the Security of his Traders, and under the
same Pretence built several other Forts at
some other considerable Places far in the
Country.

The English and Dutch, on the contrary,
prosecuted their Measures only with the Arts
of Peace, by sending People among the In-
dians to gain their Affections, and to persuade
them to come to Albany to trade ; but the
War with the Dutch, which happened about
this Time, prevented even these honest De-
signs from having the Success they otherwise
might have had ; for in the year 1673, New-
York being surprised by the Dutch, and re-
stored the next Year to the English, the Al-
terations of Government, and of Masters,
obstructed very much any Measures that could
have been taken for the publick Good. Their
Trade was likewise considerably hindered by
the War which the Five Nations had at that
Time with the River Indians,* which forced

♦The Indians living on the Branches of Hudson's
River, within ornear the English Settlements at that
Time.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

many of those Indians to seek Shelter among
the Utawawas, who fell under the French
Government at last; however, the English,
Dutch and French having all made Peace in
Europe, and the Government of New- York
likewise having obtained a Peace between the
Five Nations and Mahikindars or Eiver In-
dians, both the English and French were at
full Liberty to prosecute their Designs of ex-
tending their Commerce among the Indians,
which both did with very considerable Suc-
cess and Advantage to the Inhabitants of
their respective Colonies.

But this Justice must be done to the
French, that they far exceeded the English
in the daring Attempts of some of their In-
habitants, in travelling very far among un-
known Indians, discovering new Countries,
and every where spreading the Fame of the
French Name and Grandeur. The Sieur
Perot travelled in the Year 1667 as far as the
Fall St. Mary beyond Missilimakinak, and
having learned those Indians Language,
gained them over to his Country's Interest.

The Courage and Kesolution of many of
these Adventurers are deservedly recorded
by the French ; but the English give it an-
other Turn, and say it is the Barrenness and
Poverty of Canada that pushes the Men of
Spirit there, upon Enterprizes, that they
would not have attempted, if they had lived

THE HISTORY OF THE

in the Province of New-York. The chief
Reason, in my Opinion, however, of the
French having so far succeeded beyond the
English is, that the Indian Affairs are the
particular Care of the Governor and other
principal Officers in Canada, who have the
greatest Knowledge and Authority; whereas
those Affairs in New- York are chiefly left to
the Management of a few Traders with the
Indians, who have no Care for, or Skill in
publick Affairs, and only mind their private
Interest.

CHAP. III.

Of the Transactions of the Indians of the
Five Nations with the Neighbouring Eng-
lish Colonies,

THE Five Nations being now amply sup-
plied by the English with Fire-Arms
and Ammunition, give full Swing to their
warlike Genius, and soon resolved to revenge
the Affronts they had at any Time received
from the Indian Nations that lived at a
greater Distance from them. The nearest
Nations, as they were attack' d, commonly
fled to those that were further off, and the
Five Nations pursued them. This, together
with a Desire they had of conquering, or

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Ambition of making all the Nations round
them their Tributaries, or to acknowledge the
Five Nations to be so far their Masters, as to
be absolutely directed by them in all Affairs
of Peace and War with their Neighbours,
made them overrun great Part of North-
America. They carried their Arms as far
South as Carolina, to the Northward of New-
England, and as far West as the Kiver Mis-
sissipi, over a vast Country, which extends
twelve hundred Miles in Length, from North
to South, and about six hundred Miles in
breadth ; where they intirely destroyed many
Nations, of whom there are now no Accounts
remaining among the English.

These warlike Expeditions often proved
troublesome to the Colonies of Virginia and
Maryland; for not only the Indians that were
Friends to those Colonies became Victims to
the Fury of the Five Nations, but the Chris-
tian Inhabitants likewise were frequently in-
volved in the same Calamity.

The French having a long Time felt the
Inconveniencies and Dangers they were in
from this restless warlike Spirit of the Five
Nations, made use of this Time of Peace to
guard against it for the future, and were very
diligent in pursuing the most prudent Meas-
ures. They sent some of their wisest Priests
and Jesuits to reside among them, and the
Governors of New- York were ordered, by the

THE HISTORY OF THE

Duke of York, to give these Priests all the
Incouragement in their Power. The chief
View of these Priests was, to give the Indians
the highest Opinion of the French Power and
Wisdom, and to render the English as sus-
pected and as mean as possible in their Eyes.
They waited likewise for every Opportunity
to breed a Quarrel between the English and
the Indians, and to withdraw the Five Na-
tions from lighting with those Nations that
traded to Canada. For these Purposes these
Priests were instrumental in turning the Re-
sentment of the Five Nations against the
Indians, that were in Friendship with Vir-
ginia and Maryland. The Governor of Mary-
land, on the other Hand, to prevent the ill
Consequences, that might happen by Wars
between Nations that were in Friendship with
the English, and lived in their Neighbour-
hood, sent Colonel Coursey, in the Year 1677,
to Albany, to increase the Friendship between
Virginia and Maryland on the one Part, and
the Five Nations on the other ; and, accord-
ingly, both Sides gave mutual Promises at
Albany: But this good Understanding was
soon shaken by some Parties of the Oney-
does, Onondagas, and Senekas, who were out
when this Treaty was made, and were igno-
rant of it. One of them met with the Sus-
guehana Indians, who were in Friendship
with Maryland, and fell upon them; they

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

killed four of the Susguehanas, and took six
Prisoners. Five of these Prisoners fell to
the Share of the Senekas, who, as soon as
they arrived in their own Country, sent them
back with Presents, to shew that they kept
their Promises with Maryland ; but the Oney-
does detained the Prisoner they had.

Another Party, that went against the Cana-
gesse Indians (Friends of Virginia) were sur-
prised by a Troop of Horse, who killed one
Man, and took a Woman Prisoner : The In-
dians, in Kevenge, killed four of the Inhabi-
tants, and carried away their Scalps, with six
Christian Prisoners.

The Mohawks, all this while, kept strictly
to their Words, and suffered none of their
Men to go towards Virginia and Maryland.

There is Keason to think that the Dutch,
who lived about Albany at that Time, spirited
up the Indians against the English ; the na-
tional Differences, that were then recent,
bred a Rancour in their Spirits. Some Dutch-
men persuaded the Oneydoes, that the Eng-
lish at New- York were resolved to destroy
them, and put them into a terrible Disturb-
ance; for here the Dutch and the French
Priests joined in the same Measures. The
Commandant at Albany hearing of this, sent
two Interpreters of the Indian Language, to
persuade the Oneydoes to come to Albany,
in Order to be assured of the English Friend-

THE HISTORY OF THE

ship, and to have their Jealousy removed;
which being done, Swerise, one of the chief
Sachems of the Oneydoes, excused his Coun-
trymen at Albany the fifteenth of February
1679, by laying the Blame on the People of
Schenectady, who had informed not one, but
several of their People, and at several Times,
that the English designed to cut them all off ;
and said, had they not Reason to believe the
People of Schenectady, who are Friends and
Neighbours to the English? They brought
with them a Christian Woman and her Child,
that had been taken Prisoners, and restored
them, praying the Governor to use his Inter-
est to have their People restored, that had
been taken by the People of Virginia ; but
they kept another Christian Woman and her
two Children, which they said they did only
till such Time as their Prisoners should be
restored, or some Canastoga Indians given in
their Place.

When the Five Nations make Peace with
another Nation, that has taken some of the
Five Nations Prisoners, if these Prisoners be
dead, or cannot be restored, they usually de-
mand some Indians, in Friendship with the
Five Nations, in their stead ; who either are
adopted in Place of their dead Friends, or
restored to their own Nation ; and sometimes
they desire some of their Enemies to be given
to them, and even those frequently are

FIVE IKDIAK NATIONS, &e.

adopted by a Father in Place of a Son, or by
a Sister in Place of a Brother, and, most fre-
quently, by a Wife in Place of a Husband
lost in the Wars ; but if they chance not to
be agreeable to the Relations, then they are
certainly made Sacrifices to their Revenge.

Governor Andross, being acquainted by Let-
ter with this last Proposal of the Oneydoes,
required the immediate Delivery of the Chris-
tian Prisoners, and promised to write to Vir-
ginia to have the Indian Prisoners sav'd.
Some Presents being given to the Oneydoes,
and they promised to bring them in a Month^s
Time.

They, at the same Time, informed the
Commandant at Albany, that eight of their
Men were then out against the People of Vir-
ginia; that they knew nothing of what was
now promised ; and therefore, in Case they
should do any Harm, they desired that it
might not be taken as a Breach of their
Promises they now made. They promised
likewise to inform the Governor of every
Thing these Parties shou'd happen to do. In
the last Place they said, we shall be very
sorry if any Thing should happen to the
Prisoners that we havQ promised to restore,
lest it should create some Jealousies of us,
we hope that you will consider that they are
mortal. Accordingly, in May following, the
Oneydoes brought the other three Prisoners

THE HISTORY OP THE

to Albany, and, on the Twenty-fourth of that
Month, Swerise, when he delivered them to
the Commandant at Albany, and the Com-
missioners for Indian Affairs, said,
" Brethren J

"We are come to this Place with much
Trouble, as we did last Winter, and renew
the Request we then made, that six Indians
be delivered to us in the Room of these six
Christians, in Case our People, who are Pris-
oners, be dead. None of us have gone out
against the Christians since we were last here ;
but we told you then that some were then
out, who knew nothing of the Governor's
Orders, and we desired, that if any Thing
happened it might not be taken ill. Now
thirteen of our People, who went out against
our Indian Enemies, met eighteen Men on
Horseback, as far from any of the English
Plantations as Cahnuaga is from Albany,
they fired upon our People ; our Men, being
Soldiers, returned their Fire, and killed two
Men and two Horses, and brought away their
Scalps.

" It would be convenient that the Governor
tell the People of Virginia, not to send their
Men so far from Home ; for if they should
meet our Parties in their Way against our
Enemies, the Cahnowas, whom the English
call Arogisti, we cannot answer for the Con-
sequences.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

"We have now observed the Governor's
Orders, in bringing the three other Christian
Prisoners; and we trust the Affair of our
Prisoners wholly to the Governor.

" We have now performed our Promises :
But where are our Prisoners ; or, if they be
dead, the others in their Eoom ; now when
it is so late in the Spring? However, we
will still trust this to the Governor. ^

Then delivering the Prisoners one by one,
said, " We have, we say, now performed our
Promises, and are not ashamed. We hope
Corlaer, who governs the whole Country, will
likewise do that, of which he need not be
ashamed.

"Corlaer governs the whole Land, from
New- York to Albany, and from thence to
the Senekas Land ; we, who are his Inferiors,
shall faithfully keep the Chain : Let him per-
form his Promise, as we have ours, that the
Chain be not broken on his Side, who governs
the whole Country."

Then the Commissioners gave them Pre-
sents for their kind Usage of the Prisoners.

After which Swerise stood up again and
said ; " Let Corlaer take Care, that the Indian
Woman, that is wanting, be restored, and,
for those that are killed, others in their
Room. If Corlaer will not give Ear to us in
this Affair, we will not hereafter give Ear to
him in any Thing."

THE HISTORY OP THE

Hearing afterwards, that these last Words
were ill taken, Swerise, with two more of the
chief Oneydoe Sachems, excused it, saying;
" What we said, of not hearkening any more
to Corlaer, did not proceed from the Heart,
but was spoken by Way of Argument, to
make Corlaer more careful to release our
People that are Prisoners ; and you may be
convinced it was so, when you consider that
it was said after your Answer, and without
laying down either Bever, or any Belt or
Wampum, as we always do, when we make
Propositions ; * therefore we desire, that, if
it be noted, it may be blotted out, and not
made known to Corlaer, for we hold firmly
to our Covenant, as we said in our Proposi-
tions."

They, at the same Time, told them, That
the Sinondowans t came to them with eight
Belts, desiring them no longer to prosecute
the War with the Virginia Indians, but to go
to War against the Dewaganas,J a Nation
lying to the North-westward ; and that the
Sennekas did desire them to set these Chris-

* The Word Proposition has been always used by
the Commissioners for Indian Affairs at Albany, to
signify Proposals or Articles in the Treaties or
Agreements made with the Indians.

fA Castle of the Sennekas, from whence the
French call the Sennekas Tonontouan.

X Comprehended under the general Name of Uta-
wawas.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

tians at Liberty, and to carry them to Al-
bany ; all which we promised to do.

The Five Nations continuing however still
to be troublesome to Virginia, that Govern-
ment, in September following, sent Colonel
William Kendall, and Colonel Southley Lit-
tleton, to Albany, to renew and confirm the
Friendship between Virginia and the Five
Nations. Colonel Littleton died at Albany,
before the Indians arrived ; and Colonel Ken-
dall spoke first to the Oneydoes, and told
them in a set Speech, " That their People had
taken away and destroyed their Goods and
People, and brought some of the Women and
Children of Virginia Captives into their Cas-
tles, contrary to that Faith and Promise, and
in Breach of the Peace made with Colonel
Coursey, without any the least Provocation,
or Lijury done, by the People of Virginia.
However, through the great Eespect Virginia
has to their Nations, and by the Persuasions
of the Governor of New- York, and the In-
formation he has given the Government of
Virginia, that they had quietly and peaceably
delivered to him the Prisoners taken from
Virginia, who were returned safely ; and their
excusing the same, and Inclination to live
peaceably, without injuring Virginia for the
future ; the Government of Virginia did for-
give all the Damages the Five Nations have
done to the People of Virginia, though very

THE HISTORY OP THE

great; provided that they, or any living
among them, for the future, do not offend, or
molest the People of Virginia, or Indians liv-
ing among them."

He spoke to the Mohawks and Sennekas,
separately from the Oneydoes, because they
had not done any Mischief, and promised
them kind and neighbourly Usage when they
came to Virginia, and gave them Presents ;
they returned the Compliment, with an As-
surance of their Friendship, and condoled
Colonel Littleton's Death, after the Indian
Manner, by a Present of a Belt of black
Wampum, besides the Belt given, on renewal
of the Friendship.

The Onnondagas did not come till Novem-
ber ; on the fifth of which Month the Virginia
Agent spoke to them, in the same Words he
did to the Oneydoes. It does not appear, by
the Register of Indian Affairs, what Answer
the Oneydoes and Onnondagas made, but it
is certain they did not observe Friendship
with Virginia, but molested them with reiter-
ated Incursions of their Parties. It is ob-
servable, however, that these two Nations,
and the Cayugas, only had French Priests
among them at that Time, and that none of
the rest ever molested the English ; for which
Reason, Colonel Dongan, notwithstanding the
Orders he had received from his Master, and
that he himself was a Papist, complained of

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the ill Offices these Priests did to the English
Interest, and forbid the Five Nations to en-
tertain any of them ; though the English and
French Crowns, while he was Governor of
New- York, seemed to be more than ever in
strict Friendship.

The French had no Hopes of persuading
the Five Nations to break with New-York
directly, but they were in Hopes, that, by
the Indian Parties doing frequent Mischief in
Virginia, the Government of New- York would
be foreed to join, in resenting the Injury, and
thereby that Union, between the Government
of New-York and the Five Nations, would
be broke, which always obstructed, and often
defeated, the Design the French had, of sub-
jecting all North America to the Crown of
France. For this Eeason, the Governors of
New- York have always, with the greatest
Caution, avoided a Breach with these Na-
tions, on Account of the little Differences
they had with the neighbouring Colonies.
These new Incursions of these two Nations
were so troublesome to the People of Vir-
ginia, that their Governor, the Lord Howard
of Effingham, thought it necessary, for their
Security, to undertake a Journey to New-
York.

I shall give a particular Account of this
Affair, which was thought of such Conse-
quence, that a Peer of England left his Gov-
Vol. I.— 3 83

THE HISTORY OP THE

eminent, and traveUed four-hundred Miles,
to treat with the Five Nations; and shall
take this Opportunity of describing some
Ceremonies they use, in making Peace.

The Sachems of the Five Nations being
called to Albany, eight Mohawks, three Oney-
does, three Onnondagas, and three Cayuga
Sachems, met his Lordship there; and, on
the thirteenth of July, 1684, he, accompanied
by two of the Council of Virginia, spoke to
the Sachems as follows, in the Presence of
Colonel Thomas Dongan, Governor of *New-
York, and the Magistrates of Albany. The
Senekas being far off, were not then arrived.

Proposals made by the Right Honourable
Francis Lord Howard of Effingharrij Gov-
ernor-general of his Majesty^ s Dominion
of Virginia^ to the Mohawksj OneydoeSj
Onnondagas, and Cayugas,

"XT is now about seven Years, said he,
A since you (unprovoked) came into Vir-
ginia, a Country belonging to the great King
of England, and committed several Murders
and Robberies, carrying away our Christian
Women and Children Prisoners into your
Castles. All which Injuries we designed to
have revenged on you, but at the Desire of
Sir Edmond Andross, then Governor-general
of this Country, we desisted from destroying

riVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

you, and sent our Agents, Colonel William
Kendal, and Colonel Southey Littleton, to
confirm and make, sure tlie Peace, that Colo-
nel Coursey of Maryland included us in, when
he first treated with you. We find, that as
you quickly forgot what you promised Colo-
nel Coursey, so you have wilfully broke the
Covenant-chain which you promised our
Agent, Colonel Kendal, should be kept more
strong and bright, if we of Virginia would
bury, in the Pit of Oblivion, the Injury then
done us; which, upon Governor Andross's
Intercession, and your Submission, we were
willing to forget : But you not at all minding
the Covenant then made, have every Year
since, come into our Country in a war-like
Manner, under Pretence of fighting with
our Indians, our Friends and Neighbours,
which you ought not to have done, our Agent
having included them likewise in the Peace.
You not only destroyed, and took several of
them Prisoners, but you have also killed and
burnt our Christian People, destroying Corn
and Tobacco, more than you made Use of,
killed our Horses, Hogs, and Cattle ; not to
eat, but to let them lie in the Woods and
stink : This you did, when you were not de-
nied any Thing you said you wanted.

"I must also tell you, that, under the
Pretence of Friendship, you have come to
Houses at the Heads of our Rivers (when

THE HISTORY OP THE

they have been fortified) with a white Sheet
on a Pole, and have laid down your Guns be-
fore the Fort ; upon which, our People taking
you for Friends, have admitted your great
Men into their Forts, and have given them
Meat and Drink, what they desired. After
the great Men had refreshed themselves, and
desiring to return, as they were let out of the
Fort-gates, the young Men commonly rushed
into the Fort, and plundered the Houses,
taking away, and destroying all the Corn,
Tobacco, and Bedding, and what else was in
the Houses. When they went away, they
generally also took several Sheep with them,
and killed several TDows big with Calf, and
left them behind them cut to Pieces, and
flung about, as if it were in Defiance of us,
and in Derision of our Friendship. These,
and many more Injuries that you have done
us, have caused me to raise Forces, to send
to the Heads of our Rivers, to defend our
People from these Outrages, till I came to
Kew-York, to Colonel Thomas Dongan, your
Governor-general, to desire him, as we are all
one King's Subjects, to assist me in warring
against you, to revenge the Christian Blood
that you have shed, and to make you give full
satisfaction for all the Goods that you have
destroyed : But by the Mediation of your
Governor, I am now come to Albany to speak
with you, and to know the Reason of your

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

breaking the €ovenaiit-chain, not only with
us and our neighbour Indians, but with Mary-
land, who are great King Charles's Subjects ;
for our Indians have given King Charles their
Land ; therefore I, the Governor of Virginia,
will protect them, as your Governor, under
the great Duke of York and Albany, will
henceforth you, when the Chain of Friend-
ship is made between us all.

"Now I have let you know, that I am
sensible of all the Injuries you have done us,
and by the Desire of your Governor-general,
I am willing to make a new Chain with you
for Virginia, Maryland, and our Indians, that
may be more strong and lasting, even to the
Word's End; so that we maybe Brethren,
and great King Charles's Children.

" I propose to you, first. That you call out
of our Countries of Virginia and Maryland,
all your young Men or Soldiers that are now
there.

" Secondly, That you do not hinder or mo-
lest our friendly Indians from hunting in our
Mountains, it having been their Country, and
none of yours ; they never go into your Coun-
try to disturb any of you.

" Thirdly, Though the Damages you have
done our Country be very great, and would
require a great deal of Satisfaction; which
you are bound to give ; yet we assure you,
that only by the Persuasions of your Gov-

THE HISTORY OP THE

ernor, who is at a vast deal of Trouble and
Charge for your Welfare, which you ever
ought to acknowledge, I have pass'd it by
and forgiven you ; upon this Condition, that
your People, nor any living among you, for
the future, ever commit any Incursions upon
our Christians or Indians living among us, or
in Maryland.

" For the better Confirmation of the same,
and that the Peace now concluded may be
lasting, I propose to have two Hatchets*
buried, as a final Determination of all Wars
and Jarrings between us ; one on behalf of
us and our Indians, and the other for all your
Nations united together, that ever did us any
Injury, or pretended to war against our In-
dian Friends, or those of Maryland.

"And that nothing may be wantmg for
Confirmation thereof (if you desire it) we are
willing to send some of our Indian Sachems,
with an Agent, next Summer, about this
Time, that they may ratify the Covenant with
you here, in this prefixed House, where you
may see and speak together as Friends.

" That the Covenant now made between us,
in this prefixed House, in the Presence of
your Governor, may be firmly kept and per-
formed on your Parts, as it always has been
on ours ; and that you do not break any one

* All Indians make Use of a Hatchet or Axe, as
an Emblem to express War.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

Link of the Covenant-chain for the future,
by your People's coming near our Plantations ;
when you march to the Southward, keep to
the Feet of the Mountains, and do not come
nigh the Heads of our Eivers, there being no
Bever-hunting there; for we shall not for
the future, though you lay down your Arms
as Friends, ever trust you more, you have so
often deceived us."

The next Day the Mohawks answer' d first
by their Speaker, saying :

"We must, in the first Place, say some-
thing to the other three Nations, by Way of
Eeproof, for their not keeping the former
Chain, as they ought ; and therefore we desire
you, great Sachem of Virginia, and you Cor-
lear, and all here present to give Ear, for we
will conceal nothing of the Evil they have
done." [Then turning to the other Nations.]
" You have heard Yesterday all that has been
said; as for our Parts, we are free of the
Blame laid on us ; we have always been obe-
dient to Corlaer, and have steadily kept our
Chain with Virginia, Maryland, and Boston ;
but ye are stupid and brutish, and have no
Understanding, we must stamp Understand-
ing into you. Let the new Chain made Yes-
terday be carefully preserved for the future.
This we earnestly recommend to you, for we
axe ready to cry for Shame of you; let us be

THE HISTORY OP THE

no more ashamed on your Account, but be
obedient, and take tbis Belt, to keep what
we say in your Memory.

" Hear now, now is tbe Time to hearken ;
the Covenant-chain had very near slipt, by
your not keeping it firmly. Hold it fast now,
when all former Evils are buried in the Pit.

" You Oneydoes, I speak to you as Chil-
dren ; be no longer childish, or void of Un-
derstanding.

"You Onondagas, our Brethren, you are
like deaf People, that cannot hear, your
Senses are covered with Dirt and Filth.

"You Cayugas, do not return into your
former Ways. There are three Things we
must all observe.

"First, The Covenant with Corlear. Sec-
ondly, the Covenant with Virginia and Mary-
land. Thirdly, with Boston. We must
stamp Understanding into you, that you may
be obedient; and take this Belt for a Ee-
membrancer.''

Then Cadianne, the same Mohawk Speaker,
turning to my Lord, said :

"We are very thankful to you, great
Sachem of Virginia, that you are persuaded
by Corlear, our Governor, to forgive all
former Faults. We are very glad to hear
you, and see your Heart softened. Take
these three Bevers as a Token.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

" We thank the great Sachem of Virginia
for saying, that the Axe shall be thrown into
the Pit. Take these two Bevers, as a Token
of our Joy and Thankfulness.

" We are glad that Assarigoa * will bury
in the Pit what is past. Let the Earth be
trod hard over it; or rather, let a strong
Stream run under the Pit, to wash the Evil
away out of our Sight and Eemembrance, and
that it may never be digged up again.

" Assarigoa, you are a Man of Knowledge
and Understanding, thus to keep the Cover-
nant-chain bright as Silver ; and now again to
renew it, and make it stronger. (Then point-
ing to the three other Nations, said,) But
they are Chain-breakers. I lay down this as
a Token, that we Mohawks have preserved
the Chain intire on our Parts. Gives two
Bevers and a Eacoon.

" The Covenant must be kept ; for the Fire
of Love of Virginia and Maryland burns in
this Place, as well as ours, and this House of
Peace must be kept clean. Gives two Bevers.

" We now plant a Tree,t whose Top will
reach the Sun, and its Branches spread far
abroad, so that it shall be seen afar off ; and
we shall shelter ourselves under it, and live

*The Name the Five Nations always give the
Governor of Virginia.

f The Five Nations always express Peace by the
Metaphor of a Tree.

THE HISTORY OP THE

in Peace without Molestation. Here he gave
two Bevers.

" You proposed Yesterday, that if we were
desirous to see the Indians of Virginia, you
are willing to send some of their Sachems
next Summer, about this Time, to this Place.
This Proposal pleases me very much, the
sooner they come the better, that we may
speak with them in this House, which is ap-
pointed for our speaking with our Friends;
and give two Belts to confirm it.

"You have now heard what Exhortation
we have made to the other three Nations;
we have taken the Hatchet out of their
Hands; we now therefore pray, that both
your Hatchets may likewise be buried in a
deep Pit. Giving two Bevers.

"Assarigoa, some of us Mohawks are out
against our Enemies, that lie afar off, they
will do you no Harm, nor plunder, as the
others do. Be kind to them, if they shall
happen to come to any of your Plantations ;
give them some Tobacco and some Victuals ;
for they will neither rob nor steal, as the
Oneydoes, Onnondagas, and Cayugas have
done.

"The Oneydoes particularly thank you,
great Sachem of Virginia, for consenting to
lay down the Axe. The Hatchet is taken
out of all their hands. Gives a Belt.

"We again thank Assarigoa, that he has

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

made a new Chain. Let it be kept bright
and clean, and held fast on all Sides ; let not
any one pull his Arm from it. We include
all the four Nations, in giving this Belt.

"We again pray Assarigoa, to take the
Oneydoes into his Favour, and keep the Chain
strong with them ; for they are our Children.
Gives a Belt.

" The Oneydoes give twenty Bevers, as a
Satisfaction for what they promised the Lord
Baltimore, and desire that they may be dis-
charged of that Debt.''

The two Governors told them, that they
would use their Endeavours with the Lord
Baltimore, to persuade him to forgive what
remained.

Then the Indians desired that the Hole
might be dug, to bury the Axes, viz. one in
Behalf of Virginia and their Indians, another
in Behalf of Maryland and theii-s, and three
for the Onnondagas, Oneydoes, and Cayugas.
The Mohawks said, there was no Need of
burying any on their Account, for the first
Chain had never been broke by them.

Then the three Nations spoke by an On-
nondaga, called Thanohjanihta, who said :

" We thank the great Sachem of Virginia,
that he has so readily forgiven and forgot
the Injuries that have been done ; and we,
for our Parts, gladly catch at, and lay hold
of the new Chain. Then eaoh of them

THE HISTORY OP THE

delivered an Axe to be buried, and gave a
Belt.

" I speak in the Name of all three Nations,
and include them in this Chain, which we
desire may be kept clean and bright like
Silver. Gives a Belt.

" We desire that the Path may be open for
the Indians under Assarigoa's Protection, to
come safely and freely to this Place, in order
to confirm the Peace. Gives six Fathom of
Wampum."

Then the Axes were buried in the south-
east End of the Coui-t-yaid, and the Indians
threw the Earth upon them ; after which the
Lord Howard told them, since now a firm
Peace is concluded, we shall hereafter remain
Friends, and Virginia and Maryland will send
once in two or three Years to renew it, and
some of our Sachems shall come, according to
your Desire, to confirm it.

Last of all the Oneydoes, the Onnondagas,
and Cayugas, jointly sang the Peace-song,
with Demonstrations of much Joy; and
thanked the Governor of New- York for his
effectual Mediation with the Governor of
Virginia in their Favour.

Colonel Dungan had gained the Affections
of the Five Nations, and they esteemed him
much.

They desired the Duke of York's Arms to
put upon their Castles, which, from the

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Sequel of their Story, we may suppose they
were told would save them from the French.
Colonel Dungan desired them to call Home
those of their Nations that had settled in
Canada.* To which they answered, Corlear
keeps a Correspondence and Friendship with
Canada, and therefore he can prevail more
than we can. Let Corlear use his Endeav-
ours to draw our Indians Home to their own
Country.

The Government of the Massachusets Bay
had appointed Colonel Stephanus Cortland,
one of the Council of New- York, their Agent
at this Time, to renew their Friendship like-
wise with the Five Nations, and to give them
some small Presents ; which was accordingly
done.

*The French Priests had, from Time to Time,
persuaded several of the Five Nations to leave their
own Country, and to settle near Montreal; where
the French are very industrious in encouraging
them. Their Numbers have been likewise increased
by the Prisoners the French have taken in War, and
by others that have run from their own Country ;
because of some Mischief that they had done, or
Debts which they owed the Christians. These In-
dians are all profess'd Papists, and for that Reason
are commonly called the praying Indians by their
Countrymen, and they are called Cahnuagas by the
People of Albany, from the Place where they live ;
the French value them on Account of the Intelli-
gence they give in Time of War, and their Knowl-
edge of the Countries.

THE HISTORY OF THE

The Governor of New- York, Colonel Dun-
gan, concluded with this Advice to them:
Keep a good Understanding among your-
selyes; if any Difference happen, acquaint
me with it, and I will compose it. Make no
Agreement with the French, or any other
Kation, without my Knowledge and Appro-
bation. Then he gave the Duke's Arms to
be put up at each of their Castles, in Hopes
it might deter the French from attacking
them, (as they were threatened from Canada)
by this so manifest a Declaration of their
being under the Protection of the Crown of
England, when the two Crowns were in the
strictest Friendship ; but it is probable the
French chose this very Time to attack them,
to bring them off from that Confidence they
seemed to have in the English.

It may be proper, before I proceed, to
insert here also a remarkable Speech made by
the Onnondagas and Cayugas to the two
Governors, on the second Day of August, viz.

^^ Brother Corleavy

" Your Sachem is a great Sachem, and we
are but a small People ; but when the English
came first to Manhatan,* to Aragiske f and
to Yakokranagary, II they were then but a
small People, and we were great. Then,
because we found you a good People, we

♦New York. f Virginia. || Maryland.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

treated you kindly, and gave you Land; we
hope therefore, now that you are great, and
we small, you will protect us from the French.
If you do not, we shall lose all our Hunting
and Bevers: The French will get all the
Bevers. The Reason they are now angry
with us is, because we carry our Bever to our
Brethren.

"We have put our Lands and ourselves
under the Protection of the great Duke of
York, the Brother of your great Sachem, who
is likewise a great Sachem.

" We have annexed the Susquehana River,
which we won with the Sword, to this Gov-
ernment ; and we desire it may be a Branch
of the great Tree that grows in this Place,
the Top of which reaches the Sun, and its
Branches shelter us from the French, and all
other Nations. Our Fire bums in your
Houses, and your Fire bums with us; we
desire it may be so always. But we will not
that any of the great Penn's People settle
upon the Susquehana River, for we have no
other Land to leave to our Children.

" Our young Men are Soldiers, and when
they are provoked, they are like Wolves in
the Woods, as you, Sachem of Virginia, very
well know.

" We have put ourselves under the great
Sachem Charles, that lives on the other Side
the great Lake. We give you these two

THE HISTORY OF THE

white dressed Deer-skins, to send to the great
Sachem, that he may write on them, and put
a great red Seal to them, to confirm what we
now do ; and put the Susquehana River above
the Falls, and all the rest of our Land under
the great Duke of York, and give that Land
to none else. Our Brethren, his People, have
been like Fathers to our Wives' and Children,
and have given us Bread when we were in
Need of it ; we will not therefore join our-
selves, or our Land, to any other Government
but this. We desire Corlear, our Governor,
may send this our Proposition to the great
Sachem Charles, who dwells on the other
Side the great Lake, with this Belt of Wam-
pum, and this other smaller Belt to the Duke
of York his Brother : And we give you, Cor-
lear, this Bever, that you may send over this
Proposition.

" You great Man of Virginia, we let you
know, that great Penn did speak to us here
in Corlear' s House by his Agents, and de-
sired to buy the Susquehana River of us, but
we would not hearken to him, for we had fast-
ened it to this Government.

" We desire you therefore to bear witness
of what we now do, and that we now confirm
what we have done before. Let your Friend,
that lives on the other Side the great Lake,
know this, that we being a free People,
though united to the English, may give our

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Lands, and be joined to the Sachem we like
best. We give this Bever to remember what
we say."

The Senekas arrived soon after, and, on
the fifth of August, spoke to the Lord Howard
in the following Manner :

" We have heard and understood what Mis-
chief hath been done in Virginia ; we have it
as perfect as if it were upon our Fingers
Ends. Corlear ! we thank you for having
been our Intercessor, so that the Axe has not
fallen upon us.

" And you Assarigoa, great Sachem of Vir-
ginia, we thank you for burying all Evil in
the Pit. We are informed, that the Mo-
hawks, Oneydoes, Onnondagas, and Cayugas,
have buried the Axe already ; now we that
live remotest off, are come to do the same,
and to include in this Chain the Cahnawaas,
your Friends. We desire therefore, that an
Axe, on our Paii;, may be buried with one of
Assarigoa's. Corlear! Corlear! we thank
you for laying hold of one End of the Axe ;
and we thank you, great Governor of Vir-
ginia, not only for throwing aside the Axe,
but more especially for your putting all Evil
from your Heart. Now we have a new
Chain, a strong and a straight Chain, that
cannot be broken. The Tree of Peace is
planted so firmly, that it cannot be moved,
let us on both Sides hold the Chain f ^.st,

YQh. J.— t 49

THE HISTORY OF THE

" We understand what you said of the great
Sachem, that lives on the other Side the great
Water.

"You tell us, that the Cahnawaas will
come hither, to strengthen the Chain. Let
them not make any Excuse, that they are old
and feeble, or that their Feet are sore. If
the old Sachems cannot, let the young Men
come. We shall not fail to come hither, tho'
we live farthest off, and then the new Chain
will be stronger and brighter.

" We understand, that because of the Mis-
chief that has been done to the People and
Castles of Virginia and Maryland, we must
not come near the Heads of your Kivers, nor
near your Plantations, but keep at the Foot
of the Mountains ; for tho' we lay down our
Arms, as Friends, we shall not be trusted for
the future, but looked on as Kobbers. We
agree however to this Proposition, and shall
wholly stay away from Virginia : And this
we do in Gratitude to Corlear, who has been
at so great Pains to persuade you, great Gov-
ernor of Virginia, to forget what is past.
You are wise in giving Ear to Corlear' s good
Advice, for we shall now go a Path which
was never trod before.

" We have now done speaking to Corlear,
and the Governor of Virginia ; let the Chain
be for ever kept clean and bright by him,
and we shall do the same.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

"The other Nations from the Mohawks
Country to the Cayugas, have delivered
up the Susquehana Kiver, and all that
Country, to Corlear's Government. We
confirm what they have done by giving this
Belt."

Coll. Bird, one of the Council of Virginia,
and Edmond Jennings Esq; Attorney Gen-
eral of that Province, came with four Indian
Sachems, (according to the Lord Howard's
Promise) to renew and confirm the Peace,
and met the Five Nations at Albany in Sep-
tember 1685.

Coll. Bird accused them of having again
broke their Promise, by taking an Indian
Girl from an English Man's House, and four
Indian Boys Prisoners.

They excused this, by its being done by
the Parties that were out when the Peace was
concluded, who knew nothing of it; which
Accident they had provided against in their
Articles. They said, the four Boys were
given to the Kelations of those Men that were
lost ; and it would be difficult to obtain their
Restoration: But they at last promised to
deliver them up.

The Senakas and Mohawks declared them-
selves free of any Blame, and chid the other
Nations.

So that we may still observe the Influence
which the French Priests had obtained over

THE HISTORY OF THE

those other Nations, and to what Christian
like Purpose they used it.

The Mohawks Speaker said, " Where shall
I seek the Chain of Peace? Where shall I
find it but upon our Path? * And whither
doth our Path lead us, but into this House?
This is a House of Peace ; " after this he
sang all the Links of the Chain over. He
afterwards sang by Way of Admonition to
the Onondagas, Oneydoes, and Cayugas, and
concluded all with a Song to the Virginia
Indians.

The French Priests however still employed
their Influence over the Onnondagas, Cayu-
gas, and Oneydoes; and it was easy for them
to spirit up the Indians (naturally revenge-
ful) against their old Enemies. A Party of
the Oneydoes went out two Years after this
against the Wayanoak Indians, Friends of
Virginia, and killed some of the People of
Virginia, who assisted those Indians. They
took six Prisoners, but restored them at Al-
bany, with an Excuse, that they did not know
they were Friends of Virginia. But Coll.
Dungan on this Occasion told them, That he
only had kept all the English in Korth-
America from joining together to destroy
them; that if ever^ke should hear of the like
Complaint, he would dig up the Hatchet, and

* The Mohawks Country is situated between the
Pt;her I^ations and Albany.

nVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

join with the rest of the English to cut them
off Koot and Branch ; for there were many
Complaints made of him to the King by the
English, as well as by the Governor of Can-
ada, for his favouring of them.

We have now gone through the material
Transactions which the Five Nations had
with the English, in which we find the Eng-
lish pursuing nothing but peaceable and Chris-
tian-like Measures; and the Five Nations
(tho' Barbarians) living with the People of
New- York, like good Neighbours and faith-
ful Friends, and generally with all the Eng-
lish also, except when they were influenced
by the Jesuites ; at the same Time, one can-
not but admire the Zeal, Courage, and Keso-
lution of these Jesuites, that would adventure
to live among Indians at War with their Na-
tion ; and the better to carry their Purposes,
to comply with all the Humours and Man-
ners of such a wild People, so as not to be
distinguished by Strangers from meer Indians.
One of them, named Milet, remained with
the Oneydoes till after the Year 1694; he
was advanced to the Degree of a Sachem, and
had so great an Influence over them, that the
other Nations could not prevail with them to
part with him. While he lived with them,
the Oneydoes were frequently turned against
the Southern Indians (Friends of the English
southern Colonies) and were always wavering

THE HISTORY OF THE

in their Eesolutions against the French at
Canada.

We shall now see what Effect the Policy
of the French had, who pursued very differ-
ent Measures from the English.

CHAP. IV.

Mr, De la Barrels Expedition and some rer
markahle Transactions in 1684.

THE French, in the Time they were at
Peace with the Five Nations, built their
Forts at Taidonderaghi and Missilimakinak,
and made a Settlement there. They carried
on their Commerce among the numerous Na-
tions that live on the Banks of the great
Lakes, and the Banks of the Mississipi ; they
not only prosecuted their Trade among these
Nations, but did all they could to secure
their Obedience, and to make them absolutely
subject to the Crown of France, by building
Forts at the considerable Passes, and placing
small Garisons in them. They took in short
all the Precautions in their Power, not only
to restrain the Indians by Force, but likewise
to gain their Affections, by sending Mission-
aries among them. The only Obstruction
they met with was from the Five Nations,
who introduced the English of New- York

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

into the Lakes to trade with the Indians that
lived round them. This gave the French
much Uneasiness, because they foresaw, that
the English would not only prove dangerous
Rivals, but that the Advantages which they
had in Trade, beyond what it was possible for
the Inhabitants of Canada to have, would
enable the People of New- York so far to un-
dersel them, that their Trade would soon be
ruined, and all the Interest lost which they
had gained with so much Labour and Ex-
pence. The Five Nations likewise continued
in War with many of the Nations, with the
Chictaghicks particularly, who yielded the
most profitable Trade to the French ; and as
often as they discovered any of the French
carrying Ammunition towards these Nations,
they feU upon them, and took all their
Powder, Lead and Arms from them. This
made the French Traders afraid of travelling,
and prevented their Indians from hunting,
and also lessened the Opinion they had of the
French Power, when they found that the
French were not able to protect them against
the Insults of the Five Nations.

The Senakas lie next to the Lakes, and
nearest to the Nations with whom the French
carried on the greatest Trade, these People
were so averse to that Nation, that they would
never receive any Priests among them, and
of Consequence were most firmly attach' d to

THE HISTORY OP THE

the English Interest, who supplied them with
Arms and Powder (the Means to be revenged
of their Enemies.) For these Seasons Mr.
De la Barre (Governor of Canada) sent a
Messenger to Coll. Dungan, to complain of
the Injuries the Senakas had done to the
French, and to shew the Necessity he was
under to bring the Five Nations to Reason by
Force of Arms. This Messenger happening
to arrive at the Time the Indians met the
Lord Howard at Albany, Coll. Dungan told
the Senakas the Complaints that the French
Governor made of them. To which they
gave him the following Answer, in Presence
of Mr. De la Barre' s Messenger, on the 5th
of August 1684.

" We were sent for, and are come, and have
heard what you have said to us, that Corlear
hath great Complaints of us, both from Vir-
ginia and Canada. What they complain of
from Canada may possibly be true, that some
of our young Men have taken some of their
Goods, but Yomiendio the Governor of Can-
ada, is the Cause of it. He not only permits
his People to carry Ammunition, Guns, Pow-
der, Lead, and Axes to the Tuihtuih-ronoons *
our Enemies, but sends them thither on pur-

* Ronoon signifies Nation or People, in the Lan-
guage of the Five Nations; they say Tuihtuih-
ronoon, Chichighik-ronoon, Deonondadik - ronoon,
&c.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

pose. These Guns which he sends knocks
our Bever Hunters on the Head, and our
Enemies carry the Bevers to Canada that we
would have brought to our Brethren. Our
Bever Hunters are Soldiers, and could bear
this no longer. They met some French in
their Way to our Enemies, and very near
them, carrying Ammunition, which our Men
took from them. This is agreeable to our
Customs in War ; and we may therefore openly
own it, tho' we know not whether it be prac-
tised by the Christians in such like Cases.

" When the Governor of Canada speaks to
us of the Chain, he calls us Children, and
saith, I am your Father, you must hold fast
the Chain, and I will do the same : I will
protect you as a Father doth his Children
Is this Protection, to speak thus with his
Lips, and at the same Time to knock us on
the Head, by assisting our Enemies with Am-
munition?

" He always says, I am your Father, and
you are my Children; and yet he is angry
with his Children, for taking these Goods.

" But, Corlear ! Assarigoa ! we must
complain to you; you Corlear are a Lord,
and govern this Country ; is it just that our
Father is going to fight with us for these
Things, or is it well done? We rejoiced when
La Sal was sent over the great Water ; and
when Perot was removed, because they had

THE HISTORY OF THE

furnished our Enemies with Ammunition;
but we are disappointed in our Hopes, for we
find our Enemies are still supplied. Is this
well done? Yea, he often forbids us to make
War on any of the Nations with whom he
trades ; and at the same Time furnishes them
with all Sorts of Ammunition, to enable them
to destroy us.

" Thus far in Answer to the Complaint the
Governor of Canada hath made of us to Cor-
lear. Corlear said to us, that Satisfaction
must be made to the French for the Mischief
we have done them. This he said before he
heard our Answer. Now let him that hath
Inspection over all our Countries, on whom
our Eyes are fixed, let him, even Corlear,
judge and determine. If you say that it must
be paid, we shall pay it, but we cannot live
without free Bever Hunting.

" Corlear, hear what we say, we thank you
for the Duke's Arms, which you have given
us to be put in our Castles, as a Defence to
them. You command them. Have we wan-
dered out of the Way, as the Governor of
Canada says? We do not threaten him with
War, as he threatens us. What shall we do?
Shall we run away, or shall we sit still in our
Houses? What shall we do? we speak to
him that governs and commands us.

" Now Corlear, and Assarigoa, and all Peo-
ple here present, remember what we have an-

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, «&c.

swered to the Complaints of the Governor of
Canada ; yea, we wish that what we here said
may come to his Ears. " Then they gave a
Belt.

Monsieur De la Barre at this Time was
gone, with all the Force of Canada, to Cada-
rackui Fort, and ordered the three Vessels
to be repaired which the French had built on
Cadarackui Lake : His Design was to frighten
the Five Nations into his own Terms, by
the Appearance of the French Army, which
consisted of 600 Soldiers of the regular
Troops, 400 Indians, and 400 Men that car-
ried Provisions, besides 300 Men that he left
to secure Cadarackui Fort, and the western
Indians, that he expected would join him.
But while he was at this Fort, the Fatigue
of travelling in the Month of August, together
with the Unhealthiness of that Place (the
Country there about being very marshy),
where he tarried six Weeks, occasioned so
great sickness in his Army, that he found
himself unable to perform any Thing but by
Treaty ; and therefore sent Orders to Monsr.
Dulhut, who was come from Missilimakinak
with 600 Men, French and Indians, to stop.
Monsr. De la Barre passed across the Lake,
with as many Men as were able to travel,
and arrived at the Kiver which the French
call La Famine, by the Indians called Kaiho-
hage, which falls into the South Side of Cad-

THE HISTORY OP THE

arackui Lake, about thirty Miles from Onnon-
daga. There were two Villages of the Five
Nations on the North Side of the Lake, about
fifteen Miles from the French Fort, consist-
ing of those Indians that had the most Incli-
nation to the French; They provided the
French Army with Provisions, while they
remained at the Fort ; but it is probable, sent
an Account to their own Nations of every
Thing that happened ; and that this was the
Reason of the Usage they afterwards met
with from the French.

When Monsr. De la Barre sent to Coll.
Dungan, he was in Hopes, from the strict
Alliance that was then between the Crowns
of England and France, and from Coll. Dun-
gan' s being a Papist, that he would at least
sit still till he had reduced the Five Nations.
But none of these Reasons permitted that
Gentleman to be easy, while the French at-
tempted such Things, as in their Consequences
would be of the highest Degree prejudicial to
the English Interest, and might put all the
English Colonies in America in Danger.
Wherefore he dispatched the publick Inter-
preter, with Orders to do every Thing in his
Power to prevent the Five Nations going to
treat with Monsr. De la Barre.

The Interpreter succeeded in his Design
with the Mohawks, and with the Senakas,
who promised that they would not go near

MVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the French Governor: But he had not the
like Success with the Otinondagas, Oneydoes,
and Cayugas, who had received the French
Priests, for they would not hear the Inter-
preter, but in Presence of the French Priests,
and Monsr. la Main, and three other French-
men that Monsr. De la Barre had sent to
persuade them to meet him at Kaihohage;
they gave the following Answer to the
Interpreter.

"Arie, you are Corlear's Messenger, Oh-
quesse * (Monsr. la Maine) is the Governor
of Canada's; and there f sits our Father;
Yonnondio acquainted us some Time ago, that
he would speak with us, before he would un-
dertake any Thing against the Senakas. Now
he hath sent for all the Nations to speak with
him in Friendship, and that at a Place not
far from Onnondaga, even at Kaihohage.
But our Brother Corlear tells us, that we must
not meet the Governor of Canada without
his Permission ; and that if Yonnondio have
any Thing to say to us, he must first send to
Corlear for Leave to speak with us. Yon-
nondio has sent long ago to us to speak with
him, and he has lately repeated that Desire
by Onnissantie the Brother of our Father
Twirhaersira J that sits there; he has not

* That is, the Partridge,
f Pointing to the Jesuite.

t The Indians commonly gave a new Name to any

THE HISTORY OF THE

only entreated us by our Father, but by two
praying Indians, one an Onnondaga, the other
the Son of an old Mohawk Sachem, Connon-
dowe. They brought five great Belts of
Wampum, not a Fathom or two only, as you
bring. Now Ohquesse has been sent with
three Frenchmen ; Yonnondio not being con-
tent with all this, has likewise sent Denne-
hoct, and two other Mohawks, to persuade us
to meet him, and to speak with him of good
Things. Should we not go to him after all
this Intreaty, when he is come so far, and so
near to us? Certainly if we do not, we shall
provoke his Wrath, and not deserve his
Goodness. You say we are Subjects to the
King of England and Duke of York, but
we say we are Brethren. We must take Care
of ourselves. Those Arms fixed upon the
Posts, without the Gate, cannot defend us
against the Arms of la Barre. Brother Cor-
lear, we tell you, that we shall bind a Cove-
nant Chain to our Arm, and to his, as thick
as that Post, (pointing to a Post of the House)
be not dissatisfied ; should we not embrace
this Happiness offered us, viz. Peace, in the
Place of War ; yea, we shall take the Evil
Doers, the Senekas, by the Hand, and la
Barre likewise, and their Ax and his Sword

Person they receive or adapt into their Nation. This
is the Jesuites Indian Name, the Interpretation
whereof I know not.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

shall be thrown into a deep Water. We with
our Brother Corlear were present, but it seems
the Time will not permit of it."

Accordingly Garangula, one of the chief
Sachems of the Onondaga's, with thirty War-
riors, went with Mr. Le Maine, to meet the
Governor of Canada at Kaihohage. After he
had been two Days in the French Camp,
Monsr. la Barre spoke to him as follows, (the
French Officers making a Semi-circle on one
Side, while Garangula, with his Warriors,
compleated the Circle on the other.

Monsr, De la Barre' s Speech to Garangula,*

"The King, my Master, being informed
that the Five Nations have often infringed
the Peace, has ordered me to come hither
with a Guard, and to send Ohguesse to the
Onondagas, to bring the chief Sachem to my
Camp. The Intention of the great King is,
that you and I may smoke the Calumet f of

* Voyages du Baron de la Hontan, Tome 1. Letter
7.

f The Calumet is a large smoaking Pipe made of
Marble, most commonly of a dark red, well polished,
shaped somewhat in the Form of a Hatchet, and
adorned with large Feathers of several Colours. It
is used in all the Indian Treaties with Strangers,
and as a Flag of Truce between contending Parties,
which all the Indians think a very high Crime to
violate. These Calumets are generally of nice

THE HISTORY OP THE

Peace together, but on this Condition, that
you promise me, in the Name of the Senekas,
Cayugas, Onondagas, and Mohawks, to give
intire Satisfaction and Reparation to his Sub-
jects; and for the future never to molest
them.

" The Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oney-
does, and Mohawks have robbed and abused
all the Traders that were passing to the Illi-
nois and Umamies, and other Indian Nations,
the Children of my King. They have acted,
on these Occasions, contrary to the Treaty of
Peace with my Predecessor. I am ordered
therefore to demand Satisfaction, and to tell
them, that in case of Refusal, or their plun-
dering us any more, that I have express
Orders to declare War. This Belt confirms
my Words. The Warriors of the Five Na-
tions have conducted the English into the
Lakes, which belong to the King, my Master,
and brought the English among the Nations
that are his Children, to destroy the Trade
of his Subjects, and to withdraw these Na-
tions from him. They have carried the Eng-
lish thither, notwithstanding the Prohibition
of the late Governor of New- York, who fore-
Workmanship, and were in Use before the Indians
knew any Thing of the Christians ; for which Rea-
son we are at a Loss to conceive by what Means
they pierced these Pipes, and shaped them so finely,
before they had the Use of Iron.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

saw the Eisque that both they and you would
run. I am willing to forget these Things,
but if ever the like shall happen for the
future, I have express Orders to declare War
against you. This Belt confirms my Words.
Your Warriors have made several barbarous
Incursions on the Illinois and Umamies ; they
have massacred Men, Women, and Children,
and have made many of these Nations Pris-
oners, who thought themselves safe in their
Villages in Time of Peace. These People,
who are my King's Children, must not be
your Slaves ; you must give them their Lib-
erty, and send them back into their own
Country. If the Five Nations shall refuse
to do this, I have express Orders to declare
War against them. This Belt confirms my
Words.

" This is what I have to say to Garangula,
that he may carry to the Senekas, Onondagas,
Oneydoes, Cayugas, and Mohawks the Decla-
ration which the King, my Master, has com-
manded me to make. He doth not wish them
to force him to send a great Army to Cada-
rackui Fort, to begin a War which must be
fatal to them. He would be sorry that this
Fort, that was the Work of Peace, should
become the Prison of your Warriors. We
must endeavour, on both Sides, to prevent
such Misfortunes. The French, who are the
Brethren and Friends of the Five Nations,
Vol. L— 5 65

THE HISTORY OP THE

will never trouble their Eepose, provided
that the Satisfaction which I demand be
given, and that the Treaties of Peace be here-
after observed. I shall be extreamly grieved
if my Words do not produce the Effect which
I expect from them; for then I shall be
obliged to join with the Governor of New-
York, who is commanded by his Master to
assist me, and burn the Castles of the Five
Nations, and destroy you. This Belt con-
firms my Words."

Garangala was very much surprised to find
the soft Words of the Jesuit, and of the Gover-
nor's Messengers, turned to such threatening
Language. This was designed to strike Ter-
ror into the Indians ; but Garangula having
good Information from those of the Five
Nations living near Cadarackui Fort, of all
the Sickness and other Misfortunes which
afflicted the French Army, it was far from
producing the designed Effect. All the
Time that Monsieur de la Barre spoke, Gar-
angula kept his Eyes fixed on the End of his
Pipe; as soon as the Governor had done
speaking, he rose up, and having walked five
or six times round the Circle, he returned to
his Place, where he spoke standing, while
Monsieur de la Barre kept his Elbow-Chair.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Garangula^s Answer.

"'* Yonnondio,

" I honour you, and the Warriors that are
with me all likewise honour you. Your
Interpreter has finished your Speech ; I now
begin mine. My Words make haste to reach
your Ears, hearken to them.

" Yonnondio, you must have believed, when
you left Quebeck, that the Sun had burnt up
all the Forests which render our Country
inaccessible to the French, or that the Lakes
had so far overflown their Banks, that they
had surrounded our Castles, and that it was
impossible for us to get out of them. Yes,
Yonnondio, surely you must have dreamt so,
and the Curiosity of seeing so great a Wonder
has brought you so far. Now you are un-
deceived, since that I and the Warriors here
present are come to assure you, that the
Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneydoes,
and Mohawks are yet alive. I thank you,
in their Name, for bringing back into their
Country the Calumet, which your Predecessor
received from their Hands. It was happy
for you, that you left Underground that mur-
dering Hatchet, that has been so often dyed
in the Blood of the French. Hear, Yon-
nondio, I do not sleep, I have my Eyes open,
and the Sun, which enlightens me, discovers
to me a great Captain at the Head of a Com-

THE fflSTORY OP THE

pany of Soldiers, who speaks as if he were
dreaming. He says, that he only came to
the Lake to smoke on the great Calumet with
the Onondagas. But Garangula says, that he
sees the contrary, that it was to knock them
on the Head, if Sickness had not weakened
the Arms of the French.

" I see Yonnondio raving in a Camp of sick
Men, whose Lives the great Spirit has saved,
by inflicting this Sickness on them. Hear,
Yonnondio, our Women had taken their
Clubs, our Children and old Men had carried
their Bows and Arrows into the Heart of your
Camp, if our Warriors had not disarmed
them, and kept them back, when your Mes-
senger, Ohguesse, came to our Castles. It is
done, and I have said it. Hear, Yonnondio,
we plundered none of the French, but those
that carried Guns, Powder, and Ball to the
Iwikties and Chictaghicks, because those
Arms might have cost us our Lives. Herein
we follow the Example of the Jesuits, who
stave all the Caggs of Bum brought to oiiir
Castles, lest the drunken Indians should
knock them on the Head. Our Warriors
have not Bevers enough to pay for all these
Arms, that they have taken, and our old Men
are not afraid of the War. This Belt pre-
serves my Words.

"We carried the English into our Lakes,

to trade there with the Utawawas and Quatog-

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

hies, as the Adirondacks brought the French
to our Castles, to carry on a Trade which the
English say is theirs. We are bom free,
we neither depend on Yonnondio nor Corlear.

" We may go where we please, and carry
with us whom we please, and buy and sell
what we please: If your Allies be your
Slaves, use them as such, command them to
receive no other but your People. This Belt
preserves my Words.

" We knock' d the Twihtwies and Chictag-
hicks on the Head, because they had cut
down the Trees of Peace, which were the
Limits of our Country. They have hunted
Bevers on our Lands : They have acted con-
trary to the Customs of all Indians ; for they
left none of the Bevers alive, they killed both
Male and Female. They brought the Satanas *
into their Country, to take Part with them,
after they had concerted ill Designs against
us. We have done less than either the Eng-
lish or French, that have usurped the Lands
of so many Indian Nations, and chased them
from their own Country. This Belt preserves
my Words. Hear, Yonnondio, what I say is
the Voice of all the Five Nations ; hear what
they answer, open your Ears to what they
speak: The Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas,
Oneydoes, and Mohawks say, that when they
buried the Hatchet at Cadarackui (in the

* Called Sawanons by the French.

THE HISTORY OP THE

Presence of your Predecessor) in the Middle
of the Fort, they planted the Tree of Peace
in the same Place, to be there carefully pre-
served, that, in Place of a Retreat for Sol-
diers, that Fort might be a Rendezvous for
Merchants ; that, in Place of Arms and Am-
munition of War, Bevers and Merchandise
should only enter there.

"Hear, Yonnondio, take Care for the
future, that so great a Number of Soldiers,
as appear there, do not choak the Tree of
Peace planted in so small a Fort. It will be
a great Loss, if after it had so easily taken
Root, you should stop its Growth, and pre-
vent its covering your Country and ours with
its Branches. I assure you, in the Name of
the Five Nations, that our Warriors shall
dance to the Calumet of Peace under its
Leaves, and shall remain quiet on their Matts,
and shall never dig up the Hatchet, till their
Brethren, Yonnondi or Corlear, shall either
jointly or separately endeavour to attack the
Country, which the great Spirit has given to
our Ancestors. This Belt preserves my
Words, and this other, the Authority which
the Five Nations has given me."

Then Garangula addressing himself to Mon-
sieur le Maine, said :

"Take Courage, Ohguesse, you have Spirit,
speak, explain my Words, forget nothing, tell
all that your Brethren and Friends say to

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Yonnondio, your Governor, by the Mouth of
Garangula, who loves you, and desires you
to accept of this Present of Bever, and take
Part with me in my Feast, to which I invite
you. This Present of Bever is sent to Yon-
nondio on the Part of the Five Nations."

When Garangula' s Harangue was explained
to Monsieur de la Barre, he returned to his
Tent, much inraged at what he had heard.

Garangula feasted the French Officers, and
then went Home, and Monsieur de la Barre
set out in his Way towards Monreal ; and as
soon as the General was imbarked, with the
few Soldiers that remained in Health, the
Militia made the best of their Way to their
own Habitations, without any Order or Dis-
cipline.

Thus a very chargeable and fatiguing Ex-
pedition (which was to strike the Terror of
the French Name into the stubborn Hearts
of the Five Nations) ended in a Scold be-
tween the French General and an old Indian.

THE HISTORY OF THK

CHAP. V.

The English attempt to trade in the LakeSf
and the French attack the Senakas.

THE Marquis de Nonville having now suc-
ceeded Monsieur de la Barre, in the
Year 1685, and having brought a considerable
Keinf orcement of Soldiers with him, resolved
to recover the Honour the French had lost in
the last Expedition, and revenge the Slaugh-
ter the Five Nations continued to make of the
Twihtwies and Chictaghicks, who had put
themselves, under the French Protection ; for
the Five Nations having intirely subdued the
Chictaghicks,* after a six Years War, they
resolved next to fall upon the Twihtwies, and
to call them to an Account for the Disturb-
ance they had give some of their People in
their Bever Hunting. The Five Nations
have few or no Bever in their own Country,
and for that Eeason are obliged to hunt at a
great Distance, which often occasions Dis-
putes with their Neighbours about the Prop-
erty of the Bever. The Bever is the most
valuable Branch of the Indian Trade, and
as the Twihtwies carried their Severs to the

* Called Illinois by the French.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, «&c.

French, the English encouraged the Five
Nations in these Expeditions, and particu-
larly, in the Begining of the Year 1687, made
the Five Nations a Present of a Barrel of
Powder, when their whole Force was pre-
paring to go against the Twihtwies. The
English were the better pleased with this
War, because they thought that it would di-
vert the Five Nations from the Virginia In-
dians : But the French were resolved to sup-
port their Friends more effectually by a
powerful Diversion, and to change the Seat
of the War.

For this Purpose Mr. de Nonville sent, in
May 1687, great Quantities of Provision to
Cadarackui Fort, and gathered the whole
Force of Canada to Montreal. His Army
consisted of fifteen hundred French of the
regular Troops and Militia, and five hundred
Indians that lived near Montreal and Que-
beck. He sent likewise Orders to the Com-
mandant at Missilimakinak to assemble all
the Nations living round him, and to march
them to Oniagara, in order to join the Forces
of Canada designed against the Senekas, and
the other Officers posted among the Indians
Westward had the like Orders.

The Twihtwies received the Hatchet with
Joy from the Hands of the French Officer.
The Outagamies, Kikabous, and Maskuticks,
who were not used to Canoes, were at first

THE fflSTORY OP THE

persuaded to join the Twihtwies, who were
to maxch by Land to Teuchsagrondie, where
there was a French Fort, at which they were
to be supplied with Ammunition. But after
the French Ofl&cer left them, the Utagamies
and Maskuticks were dissuaded by some of
the Mahikander Indians, who happened to be
with a neighbouring Nation at that Time.

The Putewatemies, Malhominies, and
Puans offered themselves willingly, and went
to the Rendezvous at Missilimakinak ; where
they were received by the Utawawas with all
the Marks of Honour usually paid to Sol-
diers. Though the Utawawas had no Inclina-
tion to the present Enterprize; they could
not tell however how to appear against it,
otherwise than by inventing what Delays they
could, to prevent their March.

In the mean while a Canoe arrived, which
was sent by Mr. de Nonville, with his Orders
to the Officers. This Canoe, in her Passage,
discovered some English, commanded by
Major Mac Gergory, in their Way to Teiodon-
deraghie. The English thought (after they
had an Account of the new Alliance their
King had entered into with the French) that
the French would not disturb them in prose-
cuting a Trade with the Indians every where,
and that the Trade would be equally free and
open to both Nations. With these Hopes a
considerable Number of Adventurers went

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

out, under the Conduct of Major Mac Geig-
ory, to trade with the Indians that lived on
the Banks of the Lakes ; and that they might
be the more welcome, persuaded the Five
Nations to set all the Dionondadie Prisoners
at Liberty, who went along with the Eng-
lish, and conducted them towards Missili-
makinak, or Teiodonderaghie ; but the Eng-
lish found themselves mistaken, for the
French Commandant at Teiodonderaghie, as
soon as he had Notice of this, sent three-
hundred French to intercept the English.

The Utawawas * and Dionondadies having
likewise an Account of the English, designed
to support their own Independency, and to
incourage the English Trade. The return
of the Dionondadie Prisoners made that Na-
tion very hearty in favouring the English,
they therefore marched immediately off, with
Design to join Major Mac Gergory ; but the
Utawawas were divided in their Inclinations,
their Chief, with about thirty more, joined
the French, the rest remained in suspence,
and stood neuter.

The Utawawas thus wavering, disconcerted
the Measures of the Dionondadies, for they
began to suspect the Utawawas, and therefore
immediately returned to secure their Wives
and Children that they had left near the

* History de la Amerique Septentrionale, par Mr,
de la Poterie, Tome ii. Cap. 16.

THE HISTORY OP THE

French Fort with the Utawawas. The Eng-
lish and their Effects were seized without any
Opposition, and were carried to the French
Fort at Teiodonderaghie.

The English brought great Quantities of
Eum with them, (which the Indians love
more than their Lives) and the French being
afraid, that if the Indians took to Drinking,
they would grown ungovernable, did what
they could to keep them from it. They were
most concerned that the Putewatemies (who
had no Knowledge of the English, or of that
bewitching Liquor, and were firmly attached
to the French) should not taste it.

The Utawawas still contrived Delays to the
March, and having got some of the Pute-
watemies privately by themselves, they of-
fered them a Gag of Rum, and said : " We
are all Brethren, we ought to make one Body,
and to have one Soul. The French invite us
to war against the Five Nations, with Design
to make us Slaves, and that we should make
ourselves the Tools to effect it. As soon as
they shall have destroyed the Five Nations,
they will no longer observe any Measures
with us, but use us like those Beasts they tie
to their Ploughs. Let us leave them to them-
selves, and they will never be able to
accomplish any Thing against the Five
Nations."

But the Putewatemies had entertained such

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Notions of the French, as made them deaf to
the Politicks of the Utawawas.

The French however grew jealous of these
Caballings, and therefore resolved to delay
their March no longer, and would not stay
one Day more for the Utawawas, who desired
only so much Time to pitch their Canoes, and
went away without them.

Mr. Tonti, Commandant among the Chic-
taghicks, met with another Party of the Eng-
lish of about thirty Men, in Lake Erie, as he
marched with the Chicktaghicks and Twiht-
wies, and other neighbouring Nations, to the
general Kendezvous. He fell upon the Eng-
lish, plundered them, and took them Prison-
ers. The French divided all the Merchan-
dize among the Indians, but kept the Rum to
themselves, and got all drunk. The Deonon-
dadie Prisoners, that conducted the English,
joined with the Mihikander Indians that were
among Mr. Tonti' s Indians (who had pri-
vately dissuaded about twenty of the neigh-
bouring Nations from going with Tonti) and
endeavoured to persuade all the Indians to
fall upon the French, while they were drunk,
and destroy them ; saying, the French are a
proud, imperious, covetous People, that sell
their Goods at an extravagant Price; the
English are a good natured honest People,
and will furnish you with every Thing at
reasonable Eates. But these Arguments

THE HISTORY OF THE

were to no Purpose, for these far Indians had
entertained an extraordinary Opinion of the
French Power, and knew nothing of the Eng-
lish.

The French and Putewatemies being gone
from Teiodonderaghie, the Utawawas began
to be afraid of the French Resentment, and
therefore, the better to keep up the Colour
they had put on their Delays, marched over
Land, with all possible Expedition, to the
general Rendezvous near Oniagara, where
all the French Force, both Christians and
Indians, was to meet.

The Five Nations being informed of the
French Preparations, laid aside their Design
against the Twihtwies, and prepared to give
the French a warm Reception. Upon this the
Priest at Onondaga left them, but the Priest
at Oneydo had the Courage to stay. The
Senekas came to Albany to provide Ammuni-
tion, and the Commissioners made them a
Present of a considerable Quantity of Powder
and Lead, besides what they purchased.
They were under a great deal of Concern
when they took Leave of the Commissioners,
and said, " Since we are to expect no other
Assistance from our Brethren, we must rec-
ommend our Wives and Children to you,
who will fly to you, if any Misfortune shall
happen to us. It may be we shall never see
you again ; for we are resolved to behave so,

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

as our Brethren shall have no Keason to be
ashamed of us.**

We must now return to Monsieur de Non-
ville's Army.

Monsieur Campagnie marched eight or ten
Days before the rest of the Army, with be-
tween two and three hundred Cannadians.
As soon as they arrived at Cadarackui, they
surprised two Villages of the Five Nations,
that were settled about eight Leagues from
that Place, to prevent their giving any Intel-
ligence to their own Nation of the French
Preparations, or of the State of their Army,
as it was supposed they did in the last Expe-
dition under Monsieur de la Barre. These
People were surprised when they least ex-
pected it, and by them from whom they feared
no Harm, because they had settled there at
the Invitation, and on the Faith of the
French. They were carried in cold Blood to
the Fort, and tied to Stakes, to be tormented
by the French Indians, (Christians, as they
call them) while they continued singing in
their country Manner, and upbraiding the
French with their Perfidy and Ingratitude.

Wliile Monsieur de Nonville was at Cada-
rackui Fort, he had an Account, that the
Chicktaghicks and Twihtwies waited for the
Quatoghies and Utawawas at Lake St. Clair,*

* In the Straights between Lake Erie and Quatog-
hie Lake.

THE HISTORY OF THE

with whom they designed to march to the
general Kendezvous, at the Mouth of the
Senekas Kiver. For this Expedition was
chiefly designed against the Senekas, who
had absolutely refused to meet Monsieur de
la Barre, and were most firmly attached to the
English. The Senekas, for this Keason, were
designed to be made Examples of the French
Resentment to all the other Nations of In-
dians.

The Messenger having assured the Gen-
eral, that it was Time to depart, in order to
meet with the western Indians, that came to
his Assistance, he set out the twenty-third of
June, and sent one Part of his Army in
Canoes, along the North Shore of the Lake,
while he, with the other Part, passed along
the South, that no Accidents of Wind might
prevent the one or the other reaching, within
the Time appointed, at the Place the Indians
were to meet him. It happened, by reason
of the good Weather, that both arrived on
the same Day, and joined the western In-
dians at Trondequat. As soon as the Men
were put on Shore, they hawled up the
Canoes, and began a Fort, where four hun-
dred Men were left to guard the Canoes, and
the Baggage. Here a young Cannadian was
shot to Death, as a Deserter, for conducting
the English into the Lakes, though the two
Nations were not only at Peace, but their

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Elings in stricter Friendship than usual. But
this Piece of Severity is not to be wondered
at, when this War was undertaken, chiefly to
put a Stop to the English Trade, which now
began to extend itself far into the Continent,
and would in its Consequence ruin theirs.
The next Day the Army began to march
towards the chief Village of the Senekas,
which was only seven Leagues distant, every
Man carrying ten Biskets for his Provision.
The Indian Traders made the Van with Part
of the Indians, the other Part marched in the
Bear, while the regular Troops and Militia
composed the main Body. The Army marched
four Leagues the first Day without discover-
ing any Thing ; the next Day the Scouts ad-
vanced before the Army, as far as the Corn
of the Villages without seeing any Body,
though they passed within Pistol-shot of five
hundred Senekas, that lay on their Bellies,
and let them pass and repass without disturb-
ing them.

On the Report which they made, the French
hastened their March, in hopes to overtake
the Women, Children, and old Men ; for they
no longer doubted of all being fled. But as
soon as the French reached the Foot of a
Hill, about a Quarter of a League from the
Village, the Senekas suddenly raised the War-
shout, with a Discharge of their Fire-arms.
This put the regular Troops, as well as th^

THE HISTORY OP THE

Militia, into such a Fright, as they marched
through the Woods, that the Battalions im-
mediately divided, and run to the Right and
Left, and, in the Confusion, fired upon one
another. When the Senekas perceived their
Disorder, they fell in among them pell-mell,
till the French Indians, more used to such
Way of fighting, gathered together and re-
pulsed the Senekas. There were (according
to the French Accounts) a hundred French-
men, ten French Indians, and about fourscore
Senekas killed, in this Rencounter.

Monsieur de Nonville was so dispirited with
the Fright that his Men had been put into,
that his Indians could not persuade him to
pursue. He halted the remainder of that
Day. The next Day he marched on with
Design to burn the Village, but when he came
there, he found that the Senekas had saved
him the Trouble; for they had laid all in
Ashes before they retired. Two old Men
only were found in the Castle, who were cut
into Pieces and boiled to make Soup for the
French Allies. The French staid five or six
Days to destroy their Corn, and then marched
to two other Villages, at two or three Leagues
distance. After they had performed the like
Exploits in those Places, they returned to the
Banks of the Lake.

Before the French left the Lakes, they
built a Fort of four Bastions at Oniagara, on

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the South-side of the Straights, between Lake
Erie and Cadarackui Lake, and left a hundred
Men, with eight Months Provisions in it.
But this Garison was so closely blocked up
by the Five Nations, that they all died of
Hunger, except seven or eight, who were ac-
cidentaly relieved by a Party of French Li-
dians.

The western Indians, when they parted
from the French General, made their Haran-
gues, as usual, in which they told him, with
what Pleasure they saw a Fort so well placed
to favour their Designs against the Five Na-
tions, and that they relied on his never fin-
ishing the War, but with the Destruction of
the Five Nations, or forcing them to abandon
their Country. He assured them, that he
would act with such Vigour, that they would
soon see the Five Nations driven into the
Sea.

He sent a Detachment of Soldiers to Teio-
donderaghie,. and in his Eeturn to Canada,
which was by the North Side of the Lake, he
left a sufficient Number of Men, and a Quan-
tity of Provisions, at Cadarackui Fort.

The French having got nothing but dry
Blows by this Expedition, sent thirteen of
the Lidians, that they surprised at Cada-
rackui, to France, as Trophies of their Vic-
tory, where they were put into the Galleys,
as Rebels to their King.

THE HISTORY OF THE

CHAP. VI.

Colonel Dongan^s Advice to the Indians.
Adario^s JEJnterprizey and Montreal sacked by
the Five Nations.

COLONEL DONGAN, who had the Li-
dian Affairs very much at Heart, met
the Five Nations at Albany as soon as possi-
ble after the French Expedition, and spoke
to them on the fifth of August, in the follow-
ing Words, viz.

" Brethren f

" I am very glad to see you here in this
House, and am heartily glad that you have
sustained no greater Loss by the French,
though I believe it was their Litention to
destroy you all, if they could have surprised
you in your Castles.

" As soon as I heard their Design to war
with you, I gave you Notice, and came up
hither myself, that I might be ready to give
all the Assistance and Advice that so short a
Time would allow me.

" I am now about sending a Gentleman to
England, to the King, my Master, to let him
know, that the French have invaded his Ter-
ritories on this Side of the great Lake, and

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

warred upon the Brethren his Subjects, I
therefore would willingly know, whether the
Brethren have given the Governor of Canada
any Provocation or not; and if they have,
how, and in what Manner; because I am
obliged to give a true Account of this Matter.
This Business may cause a War between the
King of England and the French King, both
in Europe and here, and therefore I must
know the Truth.

" I know the Governor of Canada dare not
enter into the King of England's Territories,
in a hostile Manner, without Provocation, if
he thought the Brethren were the King of
England's Subjects; but you have, two or
three Years ago, made a Covenant-chain with
the French, contrary to my Command, (which
I knew could not hold long) being void of
itself among the Christians ; for as much as
Subjects (as you are) ought not to treat with
any foreign Nation, it not lying in your
Power, you have brought this Trouble on
yourselves, and, as I believe, this is the only
Keason of their falling on you at this Time.

"Brethren, I took it very ill, that after
you had put yourselves into the Number of
the great King of England's Subjects, you
should ever offer to make Peace or War with-
out my Consent. You know that we can live
without you, but you cannot live without us.
You never found that I told you a Lye, aiid

THE HISTORY OP THE

I offered you the Assistance you wanted, pro-
vided that you would be advised by me ; for
I know the French better than any of you do.

" Now since there is a War begun upon you
by the Governor of Canada, I hope without
any Provocation by you given, I desire and
command you, that you hearken to no Treaty
but by my Advice ; which if you follow, you
shall have the Benefit of the great Chain of
Friendship between the great King of Eng-
land and the King of France, which came
out of England the other Day, and which I
have sent to Canada by Anthony le Junard.
In the mean Time, I will give you such Ad-
vice as will be for your good ; and will sup-
ply you with such Necessaries as you will
have Need of.

" First, My Advice is, as to what Prison-
ers of the French you shall take, that you
draw not their Blood, but bring them Home,
and keep them to exchange for your People,
which they have Prisoners already, or may
take hereafter.

" 2dly, That if it be possible, that you can
order it so, I would have you take one or two
of your wisest Sachems, and one or two of
your chief Captains, of each Nation, to be a
Council to manage all Affairs of the War.
They to give Orders to the rest of the Officers
what they are to do, that your Designs may
be kept private ; for after it comes among so

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

many People, it is blazed abroad, and your
Designs are often frustrated; and those chief
Men should keep a Correspondence with me
by a trusty Messenger.

" Mlyy The great Matter under Considera-
tion with the Brethren is, how to strengthen
themselves, and weaken their Enemy. My
Opinion is, that the Brethren should send
Messengers to the Utawawas, Twihtwies, and
the farther Indians, and to send back like-
wise some of the Prisoners of these Nations,
if you have any left, to bury the Hatchet,
and to make a Covenant-chain, that they may
put away all the French that are among them,
and that you will open a Path for them this
Way, they being the King of England's Sub-
jects likewise, tho' the French have been ad-
mitted to trade with them ; for all that the
French have in Canada, they had it of the
great King of England ; that by that Means
they may come hither freely, where they may
have every Thing cheaper than among the
French : That you and they may join together
against the French, and make so firm a
League, that whoever is an Enemy to one,
must be to both.

" Athly, Another Thing of Concern is, that
you ought to do what you can to open a Path
for all the North Indians and Mahikanders,
that are among the Utawawas and further
Nations : I will endeavour to do the same to

THE fflSTORY OF THE

bring them Home ; for, they are not daring
to return Home your Way, the French keep
them there on purpose to join with the other
Nations against you, for your Destruction;
for you know that one of them is worse than
six of the others ; therefore all Means must
be used to bring them Home, and use them
kindly as they pass through your Country.

" bthly, My Advice further is, that Messen-
gers go, in behalf of all the Five Nations, to
the Christian Indians at Canada, to persuade
them to come Home to their native Country.
This will be another great Means to weaken
your Enemy ; but if they will not be advised,
you know what to do with them.

" ^thly, I think it very necessary, for the
Brethren's Security and Assistance, and to
the endamaging the French, to build a Fort
upon the Lake, where I may keep Stores and
Provisions, in Case of Necessity ; and there-
fore I would have the Brethren let me know
what Place will be most convenient for it.

^^Ithlyy I would not have the Brethren
keep their Corn in their Castles, as I hear
the Onondagas do, but bury it a great Way
in the Woods, where few People may know
where it is, for fear of such an Accident as
has happened to the Senekas.

" Sthly, I have given my Advice in your
General Assembly by Mr. Dirk Wessels, and
Akus the Interpreter, how you are to manage

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

your Parties, and how necessary it is to get
Prisoners, to exchange for your own Men
that are Prisoners with the French ; and I am
glad to hear that the Brethren are so united,
as Mr. Dirk Wessels tells me you are, and
that there are no rotten Members nor French
Spies among you.

^^^thly. The Brethren may remember my
Advice, which I sent you this Spring, not to
go to Cadarackui; if you had, they would
have served you as they did your People that
came from hunting thither ; for I told you
then, that I knew the French better than you
did.

" lOthlyf There was no Advice or Proposi-
tion that I made to the Brethren, all the
Time that the Priest lived at Onondaga, but
what he wrote to Canada, as I found by one
of his Letters, which he gave to an Indian to
carry to Canada, but which was brought
hither ; therefore I desire the Brethren not to
receive him or any French Priest any more,
having sent for English Priests, with whom
you may be supplied to your Content.

" llthlyj I would have the Brethren look
out sharp, for Fear of being surprized. I be-
lieve all the Strength of the French will be
at their Frontier Places, viz., at Cadarackui
and Oniagara, where they have built a Fort
now, and at Troies Eivieres, Montreal, and
Chambly.

THE HISTORY OF THE

" 12thlj/y Let me put you in Mind again,
not to make any Treaties without my Means,
wMch will be more advantageous for you,
than your doing it by yourselves, for then
you will be looked upon as the Eing of Eng-
land's Subjects, and let me know, from Time
to Time, every Thing that is done.

" Thus far I have spoken to you relating to
the War."

Then he chid them for their Breach of
Faith with Virginia. He told them, that he
was informed, that last Spring they had
killed a fine Gentleman, with some others;
and that a Party of the Oneydoes was now
there at the Head of James River, with In-
tention to destroy all the Indians thereabout.
They had taken six Prisoners, whom he or-
dered them to bring to him, to be restored;
and that for the future they should desist
from doing any Injury to the People of Vir-
ginia, or their Indians, otherwise all the Eng-
lish would unite to destroy them. But at
the same time he freed the Senekas from any
Blame, and commended them as a brave and
honest People, who never had done any
Thing contrary to his Orders, except in mak-
ing that unlucky Peace with the French,
three Years ago.

Lastly, He recommended to them, not to
suffer their People to be drunk during the
War : A Soldier thereby (he said) loses his

FIVE IKDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Eeputation, because of the Advantages it will
give the Enemy over him.

This honest Gentleman earnestly pursued
the Interest of his Country ; but it seems his
Measures were not agreeable to those his
Master had taken with the French King ; for
he had Orders to procure a Peace for the
French on their own Terms, and was soon
after this removed from his Government.
Indeed such an active, as well as prudent
Governor of New- York, could not be accep-
table to the French, who had the universal
Monarchy in View, in America as well as in
Europe.

The great Dispute between Coll. Dungan
and the French was in this, that Coll. Dun-
gan would force the French to apply to him,
in all Affairs relating to the Five Nations,
and the French would treat with them inde-
pendently of the English. FDr this Eeason
Coll. Dungan refused any Assistance to the
French, till they, by such Application, should
acknowledge the Dependance of the Five Na-
tions on the Crown of England. But King
James ordered him to give up this Point ; and
that he should persuade the Five Nations to
send to Canada, to receive Proposals from
the French Governor ; and for this Purpose,
forced them, to agree to a Cessation of Arms,
till their Deputies should go and return from
Canada ; and that they should, in the mean

THE HISTORY OF THE

Time, deliver up all 'the Prisoners they had
taken from the French ; and that no Accident
might prevent this, and blast so favourable
an Opportunity of making Peace to the best
Advantage, Monsr. De Nonville sent his Or-
ders to all his Officers in the Indian Countries,
to observe a Cessation of Arms, till the Am-
bassador of the Five Nations should meet
him at Montreal, as they had given him Rea-
son to expect they would in a little Time, to
conclude the Peace in the usual Form.

In the mean Time, Adario, the Chief of
the Deonondadies, finding that his Nation
was become suspected by the French, since
the Time they had shewn so much Inclination
to the English, when they attempted to trade
at Missilimakinak, resolved, by some notable
Action against the Five Nations, to recover
the good Graces of the French.

For this Purpose, he marched from Missil-
imakinak, at the Head of a Hundred Men ;
and that he might act with the more Security,
he took Cadarackui Fort in his Way for Intel-
ligence: The Commandant informed him,
that Monsr. De Nonville was in Hopes of con-
cluding a Peace with the Five Nations, and
expected their Ambassadors in eight or ten
Days at Montreal for that Purpose, and there-
fore desired him to return to Missilimakinak,
without attempting any Thing that might ob-
struct so good a Design.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

The Indian being surprised with this News,
was under great Concern for his Nation,
which he was afraid would be sacrificed to
the French Interest, but dissembled his Con-
cern before the French Officer. He went
from Cadarackui, not to return home as the
Commandant thought, but to wait for the
Ambassadors of the Five Nations, near one
of the Falls of Cadarackui Eiver, by which
he knew they must pass. He did not lurk
there above four or five Days, before the
Deputies came guarded by forty young Sol-
diers, who were all surprised, and killed or
taken Prisoners. As soon as the Prisoners
were all secured, the cunning Deonondadi
told them, " That he having been informed,
by the Governor of Canada, that fifty War-
riors of their Nation were to pass this Way
about this Time, he had secured this Pass,
not c'oubting of intercepting them."

The Ambassadors being much surprised at
the French Perfidy, told Adario the Design
of their Journey, who, the better to play his
Part, seemed to grow mad and furious, de-
claring against Monsr. DeNonville, and said
he would, some time or other, be revenged of
him, for making a Tool of him, to commit
such horrid Treachery. Then looking sted-
fastly on the Prisoners (among whom Deka-
nef ora was the principal Ambassador) Adario
said to them, Go, my Brethren, I unty your

THE HISTORY OF THE

Bonds, and send you home again, tho^ our
Nations be at War: The French Governor
has made me commit so black an Action, that
I shall never be easy after it, till the Five
Nations shall have taken full Revenge.

This was sufficient to persuade the Ambas-
sadors of the Truth of what he said, who
assured him, that he and his Nation might
make their Peace when they pleased. Adario
lost only one Man on this Occasion, and
would keep a Satana Prisoner (adopted into
the Five Nations) to fill up his Place. Then
he gave Arms, Powder and Ball to the rest of
the Prisoners, to enable them to return.

The Ambassadors were chiefly, if not all,
Onondagas, and Oneydoes, who had been
long under the Influence of the French
Priests, and still retained an Affection to
them ; but this Adventure thoroughly changed
their Thoughts, and irritated them so heartily
against the French, that all the Five Nations
prosecuted the War unanimously.

Adario delivered the Slave (his Prisoner)
to the French at Missilimakinak, who to keep
up the Enmity between the Deonondadies
and the Five Nations, ordered him to be shot
to Death. Adario called one of the Five
Nations, who had been long a Prisoner, to
be an Eye Witness of his Countryman's
Death, then bid him make his Escape to his
own Country, to give an Account of the

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

French Cruelty, from which it was not in his
Power to save a Prisoner, he himself had
taken.

This heightned the Eage of the Five Na-
tions so, that Monsr. De Nonville's ^'ending
to disown Adario in this Action, had no
Effect upon them ; their Breasts admitted of
no Thoughts but that of Eevenge. It was
not long before the French felt the bloody
Effects of this cruel Passion, for 1200 Men
of the Five Nations invaded the Island of
Montreal, when the French had no Suspicion
of any such Attempt, while Monsr. De Non-
ville and his Lady were in that Town. They
landed on the South Side of the Island, at
La Chine, on the 26th of July 1688, where
they burnt and sacked all the Plantations,
and made a terrible Massacre of Men, Wom-
en, and Children. The French were under
Apprehension of the Town's being attacked,
for which Reason, they durst not send out
any considerable Party to the Relief of the
Country, only once, when the Indians had
blocked up two Forts, Monsr. De Nonville
sent out a hundred Soldiers, and fifty In-
dians, to try to bring off the Men in those
Forts. The French of this Party were all
either taken or cut to Pieces, except one Sol-
dier, and the commanding Officer, who, after
he had his Thighs broke, was carried off
by twelve Indians that made their Escape.

THE HISTORY OP THE

There were above a Thousand of the French
killed at this Time, and twenty-six were car-
ried away Prisoners, the greatest Part of
which were burnt alive. The Five Nations
only lost three Men on this Expedition, that
got drunk and were left behind. This, how-
ever, did not satiate their Thirst after Blood,
for, in October following, they destroyed
likewise all the lower Part of the Island, and
carried away many Prisoners.

The Consequence of these Expeditions
were very dismal to the French, for they
were forced to burn their two Barks, which
they had on Cadarackui Lake, and to abandon
their Fort there; they designed to have
blown up their Works, when they left that
Place ; and for that End left a lighted Match
where the Powder lay, but were in such a
Fright, that they durst not stay to see what
Effect it had. They went down Cadarackui
River in seven Birch Canoes ; and for greater
Security, travelled in the Night. One of the
Canoes, with all the Men in it, were lost, by
their Precipitation, as they passed one of the
Falls in that River. The Five Nations hear-
ing the French had deserted Cadarackui Fort,
fifty Indians went and took Possession of it,
who found the Match the French had left,
which had gone out, and twenty eight Bar-
rels of Powder in the same Place, together
with several other Stores.

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

The News of the Success the Five Nations
had over the French soon spread itself among
all the Indians, and put the French Affairs
every where into the greatest Disorder.

The Utawawas had always shewn an Incli-
nation to the English, and they therefore im-
mediately sent openly four Sachems, with
three Prisoners of the Senekas, which they
had, to assure them, that they would for ever
renounce all Friendship with the French, and
promised to restore the rest of the Prisoners.
They also included seven Nations, that lived
near Missilimakinak, in this Peace.

This put the French Commandant there
under the greatest Difficulty to maintain his
Post; but there was no Choice, he must
stand his Ground, for the Five Nations had
cut off all Hopes of retiring.

The Nepairinians and Kikabous, of all
their numerous Allies, only remained firm to
the French; every one of the others endeav-
oured to gain the Friendship of the Five Na-
tions; and would certainly have done it, by
murdering all the French among them, had
not the Sieur Perot, with wonderful Sagacity
and eminent Hazard to his own Person, di-
verted them.

Canada was now in a most miserable Con-
dition, for while the greatest Number of their
Men had been employed in the Expedition
against the Five Nations, and in trading
Vol. 1.-7 97

THE HISTORY OP THE

among tlie fax Nations, and making new Dis-
coveries and Settlements, Tillage and Hus-
bandry had been neglected; and they lost
several Thousands of their Inhabitants, by
the continual Incursions of small Parties, so
that none durst hazard themselves out of for-
tified Places; indeed, it is hard to conceive
what Distress the French were then under, for
tho^ they were every where almost starving,
they could not plant nor sow, or go from one
Village to another for Belief, but with immi-
nent Danger of having their Scalps carried
away by the sculking Indians; at last the
whole Country being laid waste. Famine be-
gan to rage, and was like to have put a mis-
erable End to that Colony.

If the Indians had understood the Method
of attacking Forts, nothing could have pre-
served the French from an entire Destruction
at this Time ; for whoever considers the State
of the Indian Affairs during this Period, how
the Five Nations were divided in their Senti-
ments and Measures; that the Onondagas,
Cayugas, and Oneydoes, under the Influence
of the French Jesuites, were diverted from
prosecuting the War against Canada, by the
Jesuites cunningly spiriting up those three
Nations against the Virginia Indians, and
persuading them to send out their Parties that
Way: That the Senekas had a War at the
same Time upon their Haads with throe uu-

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

merous Indian Nations, the Utawawas,
Chicktaghicks, and Twihtwies ; and that the
Measures the English observed all King
James's Reign, gave the Indians rather
Grounds of Jealousy than Assistance : I say,
whoever considers all these Things, and what
the Five Nations did actually perform, under
all these Disadvantages against the French,
will hardly doubt, that the Five Nations by
themselves were at that Time an Overmatch
for the French of Canada.

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

FIVE Indian NATIONS

DEPENDENT

On the Province of NEW- YORK,

PART II.

101

THE

P R E F A C E

To THE Second Part.

THE former Part of this History was writ-
ten at New- York in the Year 1727, on
Occasion of a Dispute which then happened,
between the Government of New- York and
some Merchants. The French of Canada had
the whole Fur Trade with the Western In-
dians in their Hands, and were supplied with
their woollen Goods from New- York. Mr.
Bumet, who took more Pains to be informed
. of the Interest of the People he was set over,
and of making them useful to their Mother
Country, than Plantation Governors usually
do, took the Trouble of perusing all the Keg-
isters of the Indian Affairs on this Occasion.
He from thence conceived of what Conse-
quence the Fur Trade with the Western In-
dians was of to Great-Britain; that as the
English had the Fur Trade to Hudson's Bay
given up to them, by the Treaty of Utrecht,
so, by the Advantages which the Province of
New- York has in its Situation, they might
be able to draw the whole Fur Trade in the
other Parts of America to themselves, and

108

PREFACE.

thereby the English engross that Trade, and
the Manufactories depending on it.

For this Purpose he thought it necessary
to put a Stop to the Trade between New-
York and Canada, by which the French sup-
plied themselves with the most valuable and
necessary Commodities for the Indian Mar-
ket, and to set the Inhabitants of this Prov-
ince on trading directly with the Indians.
Besides the Consideration of Profit and Gain,
he considered what Influence this Trade had
on the numerous Nations of Indians living on
the vast Continent of North-America, and
who surround the British Colonies ; of what
Advantage it might be of, if they were influ-
enced by the English in Case of a War with
France; and how prejudicial, on the other
Hand, if they were directed by French Coun-
sels.

The Legislature of New- York was soon
convinced of the Justness of his Reasoning,
and passed an Act, prohibiting the Trade to
Canada, and for encouraging the Trade di-
rectly with the Indians. They were likewise
at the Charge of building a fortified trading
House at Oswego, on Cadarackui Lake, and
have ever since maintained a Garison there.
As this Act did in its Consequence take a large
Profit from one or two considerable Mer-
chants, who had the Trade to Canada intirely
in their Hands, they endeavoured to raise a

104

PREFACE.

Clamour against it in the Province, and pre-
sented likewise Petitions to the King, in Or-
der to get the Act repealed. Upon this Oc-
casion Mr. Burnet gave me the Perusal of the
Publick Register of Indian Affairs, and it
was thought the Publication of the History
of the Five Nations might be of Use at that
Time.

I shall only add, that Mr. Burnet's Scheme
has had its desired Effect : The English have
gained the Trade which the French, before
that, had with the Indians to the Westward
of New- York; and whereas, before that
Time, a very inconsiderable Number of Men
were employed in the Indian Trade Abroad,
now above three hundred Men are employed
at the Trading House at Oswego alone ; and
the Indian Trade has since that Time yearly
increased so far, that several Indian Nations
come now every Summer to trade there,
whose Names were not so much as known by
the English before.

This History, from New-York, soon went
to England, and I have been informed, that
a Publication, with a Continuance of that
Work, would be acceptable there. I have the
more chearfully complied with this Notice,
because of the War threatened from France,
believing that a Publication of this Kind may
be useful, whether the present Inquietudes
between the two Nations end in a War or in

105

PREFACE.

a Treaty. The French have encouraged sev-
eral Publications of this Sort at Paris, and
certainly such may be more useful in a Brit-
ish Government, where the People have so
great a Share in it, than it can be in a French
Government, intirely directed by the Will of
their Prince.

I now continue this History to the Peace of
Res wick, and if I find this acceptable, and
that a farther Continuation of it be desired,
I shall^ if my Life and Health be preserved,
carry it down farther; but as I have too
much Reason to doubt my own Ability, to
give that Pleasure and Satisfaction which the
Publick may expect in Things thus submitted
to their View, I think it not justifiable to
trouble them with too much at once.

106

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Five INDIAN Nations,

DEPENDING

On the Province oiNEW-TORK.

PART II.

The History of the Five Indian Nations of
Canada, from the time of the Revolution to
the Pea.ce of Reswick,

CHAP. I.

The State of Affairs in New- York and Can-
ada , at the tim^ of the Revolution in Great-
Britain,

WE left the Five Nations triumphing
over the French in Canada, and they
almost reduced to Despair The Revolution,
which happened at this Time in England,
seemed to be a favourable Conjunction for
the Five Nations; the English Colonies, by

107

THE HISTORY OF THE

the War at that Time declared against
France, becoming Parties in their Quarrel:
For one will be ready to think, that the Five
Nations being by themselves too powerful
for the French, as appears by the preceding
Chapter, when these were assisted by the
Utawawas, Quatoghies, Twihtwies, Chictag-
hicks, Putewatemies, and all the Western
Indian Nations, and when the English stood
neuter; now certainly, when not only all
these Indian Nations had made Peace with
the Five Nations, but the English joined with
them in the War, the French would not be
able to stand one Campaign.

But we shall find what a Turn Affairs took,
contrary to all reasonable Expectations, from
the general Appearance of Things, and of
what Importance a resolute wise Governor
is to the well-being of a People, and how
prejudicial Divisions and Parties are. For
this Reason, it will be necessary to take a
View of the Publick Affairs in the Province
of New- York, and in Canada, at that Time,
in order to understand the true Causes of the
Alterations, which afterwards happened in
Favour of the French.

The Revolution occasioned as great Divi-
sions and Parties in the Province of New-
York, in Proportion to the Number of Peo-
ple, as it did in Britain, if not greater. The
Governor and all the Officers either fled or

108

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

absconded; the Gentlemen of the Kmg^s
Council, and some of the most considerable
or richest People, either out of Love, or what
they thought Duty, to King James, or rather
from an Opinion they had that the Prince of
Orange could not succeed, refused to join in
the declaration the People made in favour of
that Prince, and suffered the Administration
to fall into different Hands, who were more
zealous for the Protestant Interest, and who
were joined by the far greatest Number of
the Inhabitants. After the Revolution was
established, they that had appeared so warmly
for it, thought that they deserved best of the
Government, and expected to be continued in
the Publick Offices ; the others were zealous
to recover the Authority they had lost, and
used the most persuasive Means with the
Governors for that Purpose, while the former
trusted to their Merit. This begat great
Animosities, which continued many Years.
Each Party, as they were at different Times
favoured by several Governors, opposed all
the Measures taken by the other, while each
of them were by Turns in Credit with the
People or the Governor, and sometimes even
prosecuted each other to Death. The pub-
lick Measures were by these Means perpetu-
ally fluctuating, and often one Day contradic-
tory to what they were the Day before. The
succeeding Governors, finding their private

109

THE HISTORY OP THE

Account in favouring sometimes the one
Party, and at other Times the other, kept up
the Animosities all King William's Reign,
though very much to the publick Prejudice ;
for each Party was this while so eager in
resenting private Injuries, that they intirely
neglected the publick Good.

The Constitution of Government in the
English Plantations, where the Governors
have no Salary, but what they can attain
with the Consent of the Assemblies or Repre-
sentatives of the People, gave Occasion to
imprudent Governors to fall upon these Expe-
dients, as they sometimes call them, for get-
ting of Money. And a prevailing Faction,
knowing for what Purpose the Governments
in America were chiefly desired by the Eng-
lish Gentlemen, used this great Privilege to
tempt a Governor to be the Head of a Party,
when he ought to have been the Head of the
Government. Indeed New-York has had the
Misfortune, too frequently, to be under such
as could not keep their Passion for Money se-
cret, though none found it so profitable a
Government, as they did who followed strictly
the true Maxims of governing, without mak-
ing Money the only Rule of their Actions.

The frequent Changes of Governors were
likewise prejudicial to the publick Affairs.
Colonel Slaughter, the first Governor after
the Revolution, happened to die -soon after

110

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

his Arrival, when steady, as well as resolute
Measures, were most necessary. But some
think, that the Occasion of all the Misfor-
tunes lay in the Want of Care in the Choice
of Governors when the Affairs of America
wanted able Hands to manage them; they
think that the Ministry had the saving of
Money chiefly in View, when, to gratify some
small Services, they gave Employments in
America to those that were not capable of
much meaner Offices at Home. The Opinion
the People had of Colonel Slaughter's Capa-
city gave ground to these Surmises ; but, if
it was so, it happened to be very ill saved
Money; for the Mismanagements in this
Country occasioned far greater Expence to
the Crown afterwards, than would have
bought such Gentlemen handsome Estates,
besides the great Losses they occasioned to
the Subjects.

The greatest Number of the Inhabitants of
the Province of New- York being Dutch, still
retained an Affection to their Mother Coun-
try, and by their Aversion to the English
weakened the Administration. The common
People of Albany, who are all Dutch, could
not forbear giving the Indians some ill Im-
pressions of the English ; for the Mohawks,
in one of their publick Speeches, expressed
themselves thus : " We hear a Dutch Prince
reigns now in England, why do you suffer the

THE HISTORY OF THE

English Soldiers to remain in the Fort? put
all the English out of the Town. When the
Dutch held this Country long ago, we lay in
their Houses ; but the English have always
made us lie without Doors. '' It is true, that
the Plantations were first settled by the
meanest People of every Nation, and such as
had the least Sense of any Honour. The
Dutch first Settlers, many of them I may
say, had none of the Virtues of their Coun-
trymen, except their Industry in getting
Money, and they sacrificed every Thing, oth-
er People think honourable or most sacred,
to their Gain : But I do not think it proper
to give, particular Instances of this.

The People of New-England were en-
gaged in a bloody War at this Time with the
Owenagungas, Ouragies, and Ponacoks, the
Indians that lie between them and the French
Settlements. The Scahkooks were originally
Part of these Indians. They left their Coun-
try about the Year 1672, and settled above
Albany, on the Branch of Hudson's River
that runs towards Canada. The People of
New-England were jealous of the Scahkook
Indians, that they remembering the old Differ-
ence they had with the People of New-Eng-
land, and the Relation they bore to the East-
ern Indians, did countenance and assist these
Indians in the War against New England.
They had Reason for these Jealousies, for th^

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS. &c.

Scahkook Indians received privately some
Owenagunga Messengers, and kept their com-
ing among them secret from the People of
Albany ; and some Scahkooks had gone pri-
vately to the Owenagungas. They were
afraid likewise, that the Mohawks might
have some Inclination to favour those In-
dians, because some of the Eastern Indians
had fled to the Mohawks, and were kindly
received by them, and lived among them.

Notwithstanding all these Failures of good
Policy, in the Government of New -York, the
French had not gained so great Advantages,
if they had not cai-efully observed a different
Conduct, which it is now necessary to con-
sider.

Canada was at this Time in a very dis-
tressed Condition, the Country and out Plan-
tations burnt and destroyed, their Trade
intirely at a stand, great Numbers of their
People slain, and the remainder in danger of
perishing by Famine, as well as by the Sword
of inveterate cruel Enemies. When such
Misfortunes happen to a Country, under any
Administration, though in Truth the Conduct
of Affairs be not to be blamed, it is often pru-
dent to change the Ministers ; for the com-
mon People never fail to blame them, not-
withstanding their having acted with the
greatest Wisdom, and therefore cannot so
goon recover their Spirits, that are sunk by
Vol. L-a J13

THE HISTORY OF THE

Misfortunes, as by putting their Affairs into
different Hands.

For these Reasons, it is probable, the
French King recalled Mr. de Nonville, but
rewarded him for his Services, by an honour-
able Employment in the Houshold. The
Count de Frontenac was sent in his Place.
This Gentleman had been formerly Governor
of that Country, and was perfectly acquainted
with its Interest ; of a Temper of Mind fitted
to such desperate Times, of undaunted Cour-
age, and indefatigable, though in the sixty-
eighth Year of his Age. The Count de Fron-
tenac arrived the second of October 1689.
The Country immediately received new Life
by the Arrival of a Person, of whose Courage
and Conduct every one had entertained a high
Opinion. Care was taken to increase this
Impression on the Minds of the People, by
making publick Rejoicings with as much
Noise as possible. He wisely improved this
new Life, by immediately entering upon Ac-
tion, without suffering their Hopes to grow
cold. He staid no longer at Quebeck, than
was necessary to be informed of the present
State of Affairs, and in four or five Days af-
ter his Arrival set out in a Canoe for Mon-
treal, where his Presence was most necessary ;
and the Winter was already so far advanced,
that the Ice made it impracticable to go in a
larger Vessel. By this the old Gentleman

nVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

increased the Opinion and Hopes the People
entertained of him, that, without staying to
refresh himself after a fatiguing Sea- Voyage,
he would immediately undertake another, that
required all the Vigour and Heat of Youth to
withstand the Inclemencies of the Climate
and Season, and the Difficulty of such a Pas-
sage.

When the Count de Frontenac came to
Montreal, he increased the Admiration the
People had of his Vigour and Zeal, by pre-
tending to go to visit Cadarackui Fort, now
abandoned, which he had built in the Time
he was formerly Governor. The Clergy and
People of Montreal came jointly with
stretched out Arms, representing the Danger
of such an Attempt, and the Difficulties and
Hai'dships that would necessarily attend it,
praying him not to expose a Life that was so
necessary for their Safety. He, with seem-
ing Reluctance, yielded to their Intreaties ; I
say with seeming Reluctance, for it was in-
consistent with his Prudence really to have
such a Design. This Shew of the Governor's
offering to go in Person, animated some of the
Gentlemen of the Country, who voluntarily
went in the Winter, with one Hundred In-
dian Traders, to visit that Fort ; and finding
it in better Condition than they expected, by
the Report of those who had abandoned it,
they staid there, and made some small Repa-

115

THE HISTORY OP THE

rations in the Walls, which the Indians had
thrown down.

The Count de Frontenac brought back
with him Tawerahet, a Capiga Sachem, one
of the thirteen Prisoners that Mr. de Nonville
took at Cadarackui, and sent to France. He
was in Hopes this Indian would be useful in
procuring a Treaty of Peace with the Five
Nations, for they had an extraordinary Opin-
ion of Tawerahet ; and the French had found,
by sad Experience, that they could not be
Gainers by continuing the War: For this
Purpose the Count used Tawerahet with
much Kindness, during his Voyage, and,
after he arrived at Quebeck, lodged him in
the Castle under his own Roof, and took
such Pains with this Sachem, that he forgot
all the ill Usage he' had formerly received.

The French had the more Reason to desire
a Peace with the Five Nations, because they
knew, that they would now certainly have
the English Colonies likewise upon them ; and
if the Five Nations had been able to do so
much Mischief by themselves alone, they
were much more to be feared, when they
would be assisted, in all Probability, with the
Force and Interest of the English Colonies.

Four Indians of less Note, who were
brought back along with Tawerahet, were
immediately dispatched, in this Sachem's
NamC; to the Five Nations, to inform them

116

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS. &c.

of his Return, and of the kind Usage they
had received from the Count de Frontenac ;
and to press them to send some to visit their
old Friend, who had been so kind to them
when he was formerly Governor of Canada,
and who still retained an Affection to the
Five Nations ; as appeared by the Kindness
Tawerahet and they had received from him.
This was the only Method left to the French
of making Proposals of Peace, which it was
their Interest by all Means to procure.

The Governor of Canada, as I said, con-
ceived that there was no Way so proper to
keep up the Spirits of the People, who had
got new Life by his Arrival, as by putting
them upon Action ; and indeed their present
miserable Condition made them forward
enough, to undertake the most desperate En-
terprize, when the frequent Incursions of the
Indians made it as dangerous to be at Home,
as to attack the Enemy Abroad.

For this Purpose he sent out three Parties
in the Winter; one was designed against
New-York, the other against Connecticut, and
the last against New-England.

The Five Nations followed Colonel Dun-
gan's Advice, in endeavouring to bring off the
Western Indians from the French, and had
all the Success that could be expected, before
Mr. de Frontenac arrived.

They were overjoyed when they he^xd^ thgtt

THE HISTORY OF THE

the English had entered into War with the
French, and came several Times to Albany to
know the Certainty of it, while it was only
rumoured about. The People of Albany de-
sired them to secure any of the praying In-
dians that should come from Canada, if they
found that they were still ruled by the
Priests ; but to encourage them, if they came
with a Design to return to their own Country.

The Senekas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and
Oneydoes, the twenty seventh of June 1689,
before any Governor arrived, renewed the old
Covenant (as they said) which was first made
many Years ago with one Tagues, who came
with a Ship into their River.

" Then we first became Brethren, said they,
and continued so till last fall, that Sir Ed-
mond Andross came and made a new Chain,
by calling us Children ; but let us stick to the
old Chain, which has continued from the
first Time it was made, by which we became
Brethren, and have ever since always behaved
as such. Virginia, Maryland, and New-
England, have been taken into this silver
Chain, with which our Friendship is locked
fast. We are now come to make the Chain
clear and bright. Here they gave two Be-
vers."

King James, a little before his Abdication,
sent over Sir Edmond Andross with arbitrary
Powers, and he, in Imitation of the French,

118

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

changed the Stile of speaking to the Indians,
of which they were very sensible.

They discovered a great Concern for their
People that were carried to Canada ; they long
hoped (they said) that the King of England
would have been powerful enough to deliver
them, but now they began to lose all Hopes
of them.

CHAP. II.

A Treaty between the Agents of Massachitsef s
Bay, New-Plymouthy and Connecticut, and
the Sachems of the Five Nations, at Albany,
in the Year 1689.

ABOUT the Beginning of September 1689,
Colonel John Pynchon, Major John
Savage, and Captain Jonathan Bull, Agents
for the Colonies of Massachusetts Bay, New-
Plymouth, and Connecticut, arrived at Al-
bany, to renew the Friendship with the Five
Nations, and to engage them against the
Eastern Indians, who made War on the Eng-
lish of those Colonies, and were supported by
the French.

The Five Nations had received four Mes-
sengers from the Eastern Indians, which
gave the People of New-England some Appre-
hensions, and they were therefore desirous

119

THE HISTORY OF THE

to know what Reception these Messengers had
met with.

The Five Nations answered by Tahajado-
ris, a Mohawk Sachem, on the twenty fourth
of September. He made a long Oration, re-
peating all that theAgent from New-England
had said, the Day before, and desired them
to be attentive to the Answer now to be made
to them. They commonly repeat over all that
has been said to them, before they return
any Answer, and one may be surprized at the
Exactness of these Repetitions. They take
the following Method to assist their Memo-
ries: The Sachem, who presides at these
Conferences, has a Bundle of small Sticks in
his Hand ; as soon as the Speaker has finished
any one Article of his Speech, this Sachem
gives a Stick to another Sachem, who is par-
ticularly to remember that Article; and so
when another Article is finished, he gives a
Stick to another to take Care of that other,
and so on. In like Manner when the Speaker
answers, each of these has the particular Care
of the Answer resolved on to each Article,
and prompts the Orator, when his Memory
fails him, in the Article committed to his
Charge. Tahajadoris addressing himself to
the Agents, said :

" Brethren J

" You are welcome to this House, which is

120

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

appointed for our Treaties and publick Busi-
ness with the Christians ; we thank you for
renewing the Covenant-chain. It is now no
longer of Iron and subject to Rust, as for-
merly, but of pure Silver, and includes in it
all the King's Subjects, from the Senekas
Country eastward, as far as any of the great
King's Subjects live, and southward, from
New-England to Virginia. Here he gave a
Bever.

" We are glad to hear of the good Success
our great King has had over the French by
Sea, in taking and sinking so many of their
Men of War. You tell us in your Proposals
that we are one People, let us then go Hand
in Hand together, to ruin and destroy the
French our common Enemy. Gives a Bever.

" The Covenant-chain between us is ancient
(as you tell us) and of long standing, and it
has been kept inviolably by us. When you
had Wars some time ago with the Indians,
you desired us to help you ; we did it readily,
and to the Purpose; for we pursued them
closely, by which we prevented the Effusion
of much of your Blood. This was a certain
Sign that we loved truly and sincerely, and
from our Hearts. Gives a Belt.

" You advise us to pursue our Enemies, the
French, vigorously; this we assure you we
are resolved to do to the utmost of our Pow-
er : But since the French are your Enemies

121

THE HISTORY OF THE

likewise, we desire our Brethren of the three
Colonies to send us an hundred Men for the
Security of this Place, which is ill provided,
in Case of an Attack from the French ; the
Christians have Victuals enough for their En-
tertainment. Gives one Belt.

"We patiently bore many Injuries from
the French, from one Year to another, before
we took up the Axe against them. Our Pa-
tience made the Governor of Canada think,
that we were afraid of him, and durst not re-
sent the Injuries we had so long suffered;
but now he is undeceived. We assure you,
that we are resolved never to drop the Axe,
the French never shall see our Faces in Peace^
we shall never be reconciled as long as one
Frenchman is alive. We shall never make
Peace, though our Kation should be ruined
by it, and every one of us cut in Pieces. Our
Brethren of the three Colonies may depend on
this. Gives a Bever.

" As to what you told us of the Owenagun-
gas and Uragees, we answer : That we were
never so proud and haughty, as to begin a
War without just Provocation. You tell us
that they are treacherous Kogues, we believe
it, and that they will undoubtedly assist the
French. If they shall do this, or shall join
with any of our Enemies, either French or
Indians, then we will kill and destroy them.
Gives a Bever."

123

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Then the Mohawks offered five of their
Men, to guard the Agents Home against any
of their Indian Enemies, who they were
afraid might be laying in wait for the Agents,
and gave a Belt.

Afterwards the Speaker continued his
Speech, and said : " We have spoke what we
had to say of the War, we now come to the
Affairs of Peace : We promise to preserve the
Chain inviolably, and wish that the Sun may
always shine in Peace over all our Heads that
are comprehended in this Chain. We give
two Belts, one for the Sun, the other for its
Beams.

" We make fast the Roots of the Tree of
Peace and Tranquillity, which is planted in
this Place. Its Roots extend as far as the
utmost of your Colonies ; if the French should
come to shake this Tree, we would feel it by
the Motion of its Roots, which extend into
our Country : But we trust it will not be in
the Governor of Canada's Power to shake
this Tree, which has been so firmly and so
long planted with us. Gives two Bevers."

Lastly J He desired the Magistrates of Al-
bany to remember what he had said, and gave
them a Bever.

But the Agents perceiving, that they had
not answered any Thing about the Owena-
gunga Messengers, and had answered indis-
tinctly about the War with the Eastern In-

123

THE HISTORY OP THE

dians, desired them to explain themselves
fully on these two Points, aboat which the
Agents were chiefly concerned.

The Five Nations answered :

" We cannot declare War against the East-
em Indians, for they have done us no Harm :
Nevertheless our Brethren of New-England
may be assured, that we will live and die in
friendship with them. When we took up the
Axe against the French and their Confede-
rates, we did it to revenge the Injuries they
had done us; we did not make War with
them at the Persuasions of our Brethren here ;
for we did not so much as acquaint them with
our Intention, till fourteen Days after our
Army had begun their March."

After the Company had separated, the
Sachems sent to the New-England Agents,
desiring to speak with them in private ; which
being granted, the Speaker said, we have
something to tell you, which was not proper
to be spoken openly, for some of our People
have an Affection to the Owenagungas ; and
we were afraid, that they would discover or
hinder our Designs.

Now we assure our Brethren, that we are
resolved to look on your Enemies as ours, and
that we will first fall on the Owaragees;»*
and then on the Owenagungas, and lastly on

* Called by the People of New -England Panocok
Indians.

124

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the Prencli ; and that you may be convinced
of our Intention, we design to send five of
our young Men along with our Brethren to
New-England, to guard them, who have Or-
ders to view the Country of the Owaragees,
to discover in what Manner it can be attacked
with the most Advantage. This we always
do before we make an Attempt on our Ene-
mies. In a Word, Brethren, your War is our
War, for we will live and dye with you.

But it is to be observed, that they con-
firmed nothing relating to these Indians, by
giving Belts.

It is probable, that the Sachems acted with
some Art on this Occasion, for they really
had favourable Inclinations towards the
Owenagungas ; and they had Keason not to
increase the Kumber of their Enemies, by
making War on the Eastern Indians, who
avoided doing them any Injury. The People
of Albany likewise have always been averse
to engage our Indians in a War with the
Eastern Indians, lest it should change the
Seat of the War, and bring it to their own
Doors.

On the 25th the Magistrates of Albany had
a private Conference with the Sachems of the
Five Nations, and desired to know their
Resolutions as to the War with Canada, and
the Measures they resolved to follow. In
this Conference the Indians saw that the Peo-

126

THE HISTORY OF THE

pie of Albany were so mucli afraid of the
French, that their Spirits were sunk under
the Apprehensions of the approaching War ;
and for this Reason made the following An-
swer.

" We have a hundred and forty Men out-
skulking about Canada; it is impossible for
the French to attempt any Thing, without
being discovered and harassed by these Par-
ties : If the French shall attempt any Thing
this Way, all the Five Nations will come to
your Assistance, for our Brethren and we are
but one, and we will live and dye together.
We have desired a hundred Men of our
Brethren of Boston to assist us here, because
this Place is most exposed ; but if the Gov-
ernor of Canada is so strong, as to overcome
us all united together, then he must be our
Master, and is not to be resisted; but we
have Confidence in a good and just Cause;
for the great God of Heaven knows how de-
ceitfully the French have dealt with us, their
Arms can have no Success. The Great God
hath sent us Signs in the Sky to confirm this.
We have heard uncommon Noise in the
Heavens, and have seen Heads fall down
upon Earth, which we look upon as a certain
Presage of the Destruction of the French:
Take Courage ! On this they all immediately
joined in singing and crying out. Courage!
Courage!^'

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

CHAP. III.

An Asscount of a general Council of the Five
Nations at Onondaga, to consider the Count
De Frontenac's Message,

OK the 27th of December 1689, two In-
dians came to Albany, being sent by
the Onondaga and Oneydo Sachems, with
seven Hands of Wampum from each Nation,
to tell their Brethren in Kew-York and New-
England, that three of their old Friends, who
had been carried Prisoners to France, were
come with Proposals from Canada ; that there
was a Council of the Sachems appointed to
meet at Onondaga, and that they therefore
desired the Mayor of Albany, Peter Scheyler,
and some others of their Brethren, to come
thither, to be present and to advise on an
Affair of so great Consequence ; for they were
resolved to do nothing without the Knowl-
edge and Consent of all those that were in-
cluded in the Chain with them.

The same Messenger told them, that some
Lettei'S were sent to the Jesuit at Oneydo ;
and that they would neither burn, nor suffer
those Letters to be opened, till the Brethren
should first see them.

All that the Magistrates of Albany did on
this important Occasion, was to send three

127

THE HISTORY OP THE

Indians with Instructions in their Name, to
dissuade the Five Nations from entertaining
any Thoughts of Peace, or yielding to a Ces-
sation of Ajms.

On the 4th of January one of the chief
Mohawk Sachems came to Albany, to tell the
Magistrates, that he was to go to Onondaga,
and desired the Brethren's Advice how to
behave there; on which the Magistrates
thought it necessary to send likewise the pub-
lick Interpreter, and another Person to assist
at the general Meeting, with written Instruc-
tions ; but no Person of Note, that had any
Influence on the Indians, went.

When the Messengers arrived at Oneydo,
they discoursed privately with one of the
Prisoners that had returned from France, and
found that he had no Love for the French ;
but it is impossible but that Indians, who had
seen the French Court, and many of their
Troops, must be surprised at their Grandeur :
he complained however of the ill Usage he
had met with. The French chose, on this
Occasion, to send first to Oneydo, because of
the Assistance they expected the Jesuit, that
resided there, would give to their Negotiation.

I believe it will not be tedious to the
Reader, that desires to know the Indian
Genius, if I give a circumstantial Account of
this general Council or Parliament of the
Five Nations, that he may sqq in what Man-

12a

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

ner a People that we call Savages behave on
such important Occasions.

On the 22d of January the general Council
was opened at Onondaga, consisting of eighty
Sachems ; in the first Place Sadekanaghtie, an
Onondaga Sachem, rising up, addressed him-
self to the Messenger of Albany, saying.

Four Messengers are come from the Gov-
ernor of Canada, viz. three who had been
carried Prisoners to France, and a Sachem of
the Praying Indians that live at Montreal.

The Governor of Canada notifies his Arri-
val to us, that he is the Count de Frontenac,
who had been formerly Governor there ; that
he had brought back with him Tawerahet a
Cayuga Sachem, and twelve Prisoners, that
had been cai-ried to France ; then taking the
Belt of Wampum in his Hand, and holdmg
it by the Middle, he added, what I have said
relates only to one Half of the Belt, the oth-
er Half is to let us know, that he intends to
kindle again his Fire at Cadarackui next
Spring, and therefore invites his Children,
and Dekanasora an Onondaga Captain in par-
ticular, to treat there with him about the old
Chain. Then Adarahta the chief Sachem of
the praying Indians stood up, and said, with
three Belts in his Hand, I advise you to meet
the Governor of Canada as he desires ; agree
to this, if you would live, and gives one Belt
of Wampum.

Vol. L-9 129

THE HISTORY OP THE

Tawerahet sends you this other Belt, to in-
form you of the Miseries, that he and the rest
of your Countrymen have suffered in their
Captivity j and to advise you to hearken to
Yonondio, if you desire to live.

This third Belt is from *Thurensera,
f Ohguesse, and J Ertel, who say by it, to
their Brethren : We have interceded for you
with Yonondio, and therefore advise you to
meet him at Cadarackui in the Spring, be-
cause it will be for your Advantage.

When this Sachem had done speaking, the
Mohawk Messenger sent from Albany deliv-
ered his Message Word for Word, as he had
received it, without omitting the least Arti-
cle. The Interpreter, while the Indian was
speaking, read over a Paper, on which the
Message was set down, lest any Thing should
have been forgot.

After this Cannehoot a Seneka Sachem
stood up, and gave the general Council a par-
ticular Account of a Treaty made last Sum-
mer, between the Senekas and the Wagunha
Messengers, (one of the Utawawa Nations)

*Thurensera signifies the Dawning of the Day,
and was the Name given by the Indians to the
Jesuit Lamberville, who had formerly resided at
Onondaga.

f Monsr. le Morne, the Word signifies a Partridge.

t Ertel signifies a Rose, the Name of some other

French G^entleman, for whom the Indians had an

Esteem.

180

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

who had concluded a Peace for themselves,
and seven other Nations, to which the other
four Nations were desired to agree, and their
Brethren of New- York to be included in it.
He said the Proposals made in several Propo-
sitions were as follow.

1. We are come to join two Bodies into
one. Delivering up at the same Time two
Prisoners.

2. We are come to learn Wisdom of you
Senekas, and of the other Five Nations, and
of your Brethren of New- York. Giving a
Belt.

3. We by this Belt wipe away the Tears
from the Eyes of your Friends, whose Eela-
tions have been killed in the War, and like-
wise * the Paint from your Soldiers Faces.
Giving another Belt.

4. We now throw aside the Ax, which
Yonondio put into our Hands, by this third
Belt.

5. Let the Sun, as long as he shall endure,
always shine upon us in Friendship. Here
he gave a red Marble Sun as large as a Plate.

6. Let the Kain of Heaven wash away all
Hatred, that we may again smoke together
in Peace, giving a large Pipe of red Marble.

* The Indians always paint their Faces when they
go to War, to make themselves look more terrible to
the Enemy. A Soldier in the Indian Language is
expressed by a Word, which signifies a Fair-flghter.

181

THE HISTORY OF THE

7. Yonondio is drunk, but we wash our
Hands clean from all his Actions. Giving a
fourth Belt.

8. Now we are clean washed by the Water
of Heaven, neither of us must defile our-
selves by hearkening to Yonondio.

9. We have twelve of your Nation Prison-
ers, who shall be brought home in the
Spring ; there he gave a Belt, to confirm the
Promise.

10. We will brmg your Prisoners when
the Strawberries shall be in blossom, *at
which Time we intend to visit Corlear, and
see the Place where the Wampum is made.
(New- York.)

The Speaker added, we will also tell our
Friends the other Utawawa Nations, and the
Dionondadies, who have eleven of your Peo-
ple Prisoners, what we have now done, and
invite them to make Peace with you.

He said further, we have sent three Mes-
sengers back with the Wagunhas, in order to
confirm this Peace with their Nation.

After the Seneka Speaker had done, th^
Wagunha Presents were hung up in the
House, in the Sight of the whole Assembly,
and afterwards distributed among the several
Nations, and their Acceptance was a Ratifi-

* The Indiana in this Manner distinguish the Sea-
sons of the Year, as the Time of planting Com, or
when it is ripe, when the Chesnuts blossom, &c.

182

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

cation of the Treaty. A large Belt was given
also to the Albany Messengers as their
Share.

The Belt of Wampum sent from Albany
was in like Manner hanged up, and after-
wards divided.

New-England, which the Indians call Kin-
shon (that is a Fish) sent likewise the Model
of a Fish, as a token of their adhering to the
general Covenant. This Fish was handed
round among the Sachems, and then laid
aside to be put up.

After these Ceremonies were over, Sadeka-
nahtie, an Onondaga Speaker, stood up, and
said. Brethren, we must stick to our Brother
Quider, and look on Yonondio as our Enemy,
for he is a Cheat: By Quider they meant
Peter Schyler the Mayor of Albany, who had
gained a considerable Esteem among them ;
as they have no Labeals in their Language,
they pronounce Peter by the Sound Quider.

The Messenger from Canada had brought
Letters, and some medicinal Powder, for the
Jesuit Milet, who resided at Oneydo. These
Letters and the Powder were delivered to the
Interpreter from Albany to be carried thither,
that the Contents of them might be made
known to the Sachems of the several Nations.
The Jesuit was present all this While in their
Council.

Then the Interpreter was desired to speak

133

THE HISTORY OF THE

what he had to say from their Brethren at
Albany. He told them, that a new Gover-
nor was arrived, who had brought a great
many Soldiers from England. That the
King of England had declared War against
France, and that the People of New-England
were fitting out Ships against Canada. He
advised them, that they should not hearken
to the French, for when they talk of Peace,
said he. War is in their Heart, and desired
them to enter into no Treaty but at Albany,
for the French, he said, would mind no
Agreement made any where else.

After this they had Consultations for some
Time together, and then gave the following
Answer by their Speaker.

Brethren, our Fire burns at Albany. We
will not send Dekanasora to Cadarackui.
We adhere to our old Chain with Corlear j
we will prosecute the War with Yonondio,
and will follow your Advice in drawmg off
our Men from Cadarackui. Brethren, we are
glad to hear the News you tell us, but tell us
no Lies.

Brother Kinshon, we hear you design to
send Soldiers to the eastward against the In-
dians there ; but we advise you, now so many
are united against the French, to fall imme-
diately on them. Strike at the Root, when
the Trunk shall be cut down, the Branches
fall of Course.

184

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Corlear and Kinshon, Courage! Courage!
In the Spring to Quebeck, take that Place,
and you'll have your Feet on the Necks of
the French, and all their Friends in America.

After this they agreed to the following An-
swer to be sent to the Governor of Canada.

1. Yonondio, you have notified your Ke-
turn to us, and that you have brought back
13 of our People that were carried to France,
we are glad of it. You desire us to meet you
at Cadarackui next Spring, to treat of the old
Chain ; but Yonondio, how can we trust you,
after you have acted deceitfully so often?
Witness what was done at Cadarackui ; the
Usage our Messengers met with at Utawawa,
and what was done to the Senekas at Utawa-
wa. This was their Answer ; however, they
sent a Belt with this, which always shews a
Disposition -to treat.

2. Therhansera, Oghuesse and Ertel, do
you observe Friendship with us, if you have
not, how come you to advise us to renew
Friendship with Yonondio, they sent them
likewise a Belt?

3. Tawerahet, the whole Council is glad to
hear, that you are returned with the other
twelve. Yonondio, you must send home
Tawerahet and the others this very Winter,
before Spring, and we will save all the
French that we have Prisoners till that Time.

4. Yonondio, you desire to speak with us

135

THE HISTORY OF THE

at Cadarackui : Don't you know that your
Fire there is extinguished? It is extin-
guished with Blood, you must send home the
Prisoners in the first Place.

5. We let you know that we have made
Peace with the Wagunhas.

6. You are not to think, that we have laid
down the Axe, because we return an An-
swer; we intend no such Thing: Our Far-
fighters shall continue the War till our Coun-
trymen return.

7. When our Brother Tawerahet is re-
turned, then will we speak to you of Peace.

As soon as the Council broke up, their Ees-
olutions were made publick to all their Peo-
ple, by the Sachems of their several Nations.

Two Sachems were sent to Albany, by
their general Council, to inform their Breth-
ren there of their Resolutions, and to bring
back the Contents of the Letters sent from
Canada to the Jesuit.

As soon as they arrived, one of the Mo-
hawks, that had been sent from Albany to
the Council, delivered the Wagunha Belt, and
repeated over distinctly all the Articles
agreed to with that Nation, and referred to
the Onondaga Speaker, being one of those
sent by the Council of Albany, to recite the
Answer to the Governor of Canada. He ris-
ing up, repeated over the whole as before set
down, and added; The French are full of

186

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Deceit; but I call God to witness, we have
hitherto used no Deceit with them, but how
we shall act for the future. Time only can
discover. Then he assured the Brethren, that
the Five Nations were resolved to prosecute
the Wai*, in Token whereof he presented
* Quider with a Belt, in which three Axes
were represented. Perhaps by this Repre-
sentation only three Nations joined in send-
ing it, the Cayugas and Oneydoes being more
under the Influence of the Jesuit Milet, who
lived among them intirely, according to their
Manner of Life, and was adopted by the
Oneydoes, and made one of their Sachems.
The Letters from Canada to him were read,
they contained nothing but common News
and Compliments.

The Mohawk Messengers, that had been
sent from Albany, had carried with them
Goods to sell at the general Council. This
was taken Noticie of at the general Council,
and gave the Indians a mean Opinion of the
People of Albany, and particularly of Peter
Schyler; for it is exceedingly scandalous
among the Indians, to employ a Merchant in
publick Affairs ; Merchants, (I mean the Tra-
ders with the Indians) are looked upon by
them as Liars, and People not to be trusted,
and of no Credit, who by their Thoughts be-
ing continually turned upon Profit and Loss,

* Peter Schyler, Mayor of Albany.

187

THE HlbTOKY OF THE

consider every Thing with that private View.
As this made a Noise at Albany, by its giving
the Jesuit an Opportunity of setting the Mes-
sengers from Albany in an ill Light, Peter
Scheyler cleared himself by Oath, of his hav-
ing any Interest directly or indirectly in
those Goods, and sent a Belt back with his
publick Justification. The Mohawk Messen-
gers had refused to take the Goods, as being
scandalous to the Business they went on ; but
were persuaded, by being told that the Goods
belonged to Quider.

The Magistrates of Albany advised the
Sachems, to send the Jesuit Prisoner to Al-
bany, where he might be kept securely, with-
out having it in his Power to do Mischief,
but they could not prevail. The Indians
were resolved to keep all the Means of mak-
ing Peace in their own Hands.

CHAP. IV.

The French surprise Schenectady, The
Mohawks Speech of Condoleance on that
Occasion.

THE Count De Frontenac being desirous,
as before observed, to raise the droop-
ing Spirits of the French in Canada, by keep-
ing them in Action, and engaging the most

138

FIVE IJSDIAN NATIONS, &c.

daring of them, in Enterprizes that might
give Courage to the rest, had sent out three
Parties against the English Colonies, in
Hopes thereby to lessen the Confidence which
the Five Nations had in the English Assis-
tance, now that England had declared War
against France. The Party sent against
New- York was commanded by Monsr. De
Herville, and was ordered to attempt the
surprising of Schenectady, the nearest Vil-
lage to the Mohawks; It consised of 160
French Bush-lopers or Indian Traders, and
of as many Indians, the most of them French
Converts from the Mohawks, commonly called
the Praying Indians, settled at a Place near
Montreal, called Cahnuaga. They were well
acquainted with all that Part of the Country
round Schenectady ; and came in Sight of the
Place the 8th of February 1689-90.

The People of Schenectady were at that
Time in the greatest Security, notwithstand-
ing that they had Information from the In-
dians, of a Party of French, and French In-
dians being upon their March that Way.
They did not think it practicable, in that Sea-
son of the Year, while it was extremely cold,
and the whole Country covered with Snow.
Indeed Europeans will hardly think it possi-
ble, that Men could make such a March
through the Wilderness in the severest Frosts,
without any Covering from the Heavens, or

189

THE HISTORY OP THE

any Provision, except what they carried on
their Backs.

Tho' the People of Schenectady were in-
formed in the Evening before the Place was
surprised, that several sculking Indians were
seen near the Place, they concluded, that
they could be only some of the neighbouring
Indians; and as they had no Officer of any
Esteem among them, not a single Man could
be persuaded to watch in such severe Weath-
er, tho', as the French owned afterwards, if
they had found the least Guard or Watch,
they would not have attempted the Place, but
have surrendered themselves Prisoners : They
were so exceedingly distressed with the
Length of their March, and with Cold, and
Hunger, but finding the Place in fatal Secu-
rity, they marched into the Heart of the Vil-
lage, without being discovered by any one
Person ; then they raised their War Shout,
entered the Houses, murdered every Person
they met. Men, Women, and Children, naked
and in cold Blood ; and at the same Time set
Fire to the Houses. A very few escaped, by
running out naked into the Woods in this
terrible Weather: And several hid them-
selves, till the first Fury of the Attack was
over ; but these were soon diiven from their
lurking Places by the Fire, and were all made
Prisoners.

Captain Alexander Glen, at this Time,

140

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

lived at a Distance by himself, on the other
Side of the Kiver, and was the most noted
Man in the Place. He had at several Times
been kind to the French, who had been taken
Prisoners by the Mohawks, and had saved
several of them from the Fire. The French
were sensible what Horror this cruel sacking
of a defenceless Place, and murdering Peo-
ple in cold Blood, must raise in Mens Minds ;
and to lessen this, they resolved to shew their
Gratitude to Captain Glen. They had passed
his House in the Night, and observing that
he stood on his Defence the next Morning,
some of them went to the Eiver Side, and
calling to him, assured him, that they de-
signed him no Injury. They persuaded him
to come to the French Officer, who restored
to him all his Relations that were Prisoners. .

Some Mohawks being also found in the
Village, the French dismissed them, with
Assurance, that they designed them no Hurt.

This Conduct was not only necessary to
promote the Peace which the Count De Fron-
tenac with so much Earnestness desired, but
likewise to secure their Retreat, by making
the Mohawks less eager to pursue them.

The French marched back, without reaping
any visible Advantage from this b{»,rbarous
Enterprize, besides the murdering six^y-three
innocent Persons in cold Blood, and carryiruj
twenty-seven of them away Prisoner?

141

THE HISTOHY OP THE

The Care the French took to sooth the Mo-
hawks had not intirely it's Effect, for as soon
as they heard of this Action, a hundred of
their readiest young Men pursued the French,
fell upon their Rear, and killed and took
twenty-five of them.

This Action frightened the Inhabitants in
and about Albany so much, that many re-
solved to desert the Place, and retire to New-
York. They were packing up and preparing
for this Purpose, when the Mohawk Sachems
came to Albany to condole, according to their
Custom, with their Friends, when any Mis-
fortune befals them. I shall give their
Speech on this Occasion, as it will be of Use
to the Reader, in order to his forming a true
Notion of the Indian Genius. They spoke
the twenty-fifth of March as follows.

" Brethren, the Murder of our Brethren at
Schenectady by the French grieves us as
much, as if it had been done to our selves, for
we are in the same Chain ; and no Doubt our
Brethren of New-England will be likewise
sadly affected with this cruel Action of the
French. The French on this Occasion have
not acted like brave Men, but like Thieves
and Robbers. Be not therefore discouraged.
We give this Belt to wipe away your Tears.

"Brethren, we lament the Death of so
many of our Brethren, whose Blood has been

shed at Schenectady. We don't think that

142

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

what the French have done can be called a
Victory, it is only a farther Proof of their
cruel Deceit. The Governor of Canada sends
to Onondaga, and talks to us of Peace with
our whole House, but War was in his Heart,
as you now see by woful Experience. He
did the same formerly at Cadarackui, and in
the Senekas Country. This is the third Time
he has acted so deceitfully. He has broken
open our House at both Ends, formerly in
the Senekas Country, and now here. We
hope however to be revenged of them. One
Hundred of our bravest young Men are in
Pursuit of them, they are brisk Fellows, and
they will follow the French to their Doors.
We wi?l beset them so closely, that not a Man
in Canada shall dare to step out of Doors
to cut a Stick of Wood ; But now we gather
up our Dead, to bury them, by this second
Belt.

" Brethren, we came from our Castles with
Tears in our Eyes, to bemoan the Bloodshed
at Schenectady by the Perfidious French.
While we bury our Dead murdered at Sche-
nectady, we know not what may have befal-
len our own People, that are in Pursuit of
the Enemy, they may be dead ; what has be-
fallen you may happen to us ; and therefore
we come to bury our Brethren at Schenectady
with this third Belt.

^^ Great and sudden is the Mischief, as if it

143

THE HISTORY OF THE

had fallen from Heaven upon us. Our Fore-
fathers taught us to go with all Speed to be-
moan and lament with our Brethren, when
any Disaster or Misfortune happens to any in
our Chain. Take this Bill of Vigilance, that
you may be more watchful for the future.
We give our Brethren Eye- Water to make
them sharp sighted, giving a fourth Belt.

" We are now come to the House where we
usually renew the Chain; but alas! we find
the House polluted, polluted with Blood.
All the Five Nations have heard of this, and
we are come to wipe away the Blood, and
clean the House. We come to invite Corlear,
and every one of you, and Quider (calling to
every one of the principal Men present by
theii* Names) to be revenged of the Enemy,
by this fifth Belt.

"Brethren, be not discouraged, we are
strong enough. This is the Beginning of
your War, and the whole House have their
Eyes fixed upon you at this Time, to observe
your Behaviour. . They wait your Motion,
and are ready to join in any resolute Meas-
ures.

" Our Chain is a strong Chain, it is a Sil-
ver Chain, it can neither rust nor be broken.
We, as to our Parts, are resolute to continue
the War.

" We will never desist, so long as a Man of
us remains. Take Heart, do not pack up

X44

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

and go away, * this will give Heart to a das-
tardly Enemy. We are of the Eace of the
Bear, and a Bear you know never yields,
while one Drop of Bloerd is left. We must
all be Bears ; giving a sixth Belt.

"Brethren be patient, this Disaster is an
Affliction which has fallen from Heaven upon
xiM. The Sun, which hath been cloudy, and
sent this Disaster, will shine again with its
pleasant Beams. Take Courage, said he,
Courage, repeating the Word several Times
as they gave a seventh Belt.''

(To the English.)

Brethren, three Years ago we were en-
gaged in a bloody War with the French, and
you encouraged us to proceed in it. Our Suc-
cess answered our Expectation ; but we were
not well begun, when Corlear stopt us from
going on. Had you permitted us to go on, the
French would not now have been able to do
the Mischief, they have done, we would have
prevented their sowing, planting or reaping.

We would have humbled them effectually,
but now we dye. The Obstructions you then
made now ruin us. Let us after this be
steady, and take no such false Measures for
the future, but prosecute the War vigorously.
Giving a Bever Skin.

* This was spoke to the English, who were ahoul
removing from Albany.
Vol. L— 10 146

THE fflSTORY OP THE

The Brethren must keep good Watch, and
if the Enemy come again, send more speedily
to us. Don't desert Schenectady. The Ene-
my will glory in seeing it desolate. It will
give them Courage that had none before,
fortify the Place, it is not well fortified now :
The Stockadoes are too short, the Indians
can jump over them. Gave a Bever Skin.

Brethren, The Mischief done at Schenec-
tady cannot be helped now ; but for the fu-
ture, when the Enemy appears any where, let
nothing hinder your sending to us by Ex-
presses, and fire great Guns, that all may be
alarmed. We advise you to bring all the
River Indians under your Subjection to live
near Albany, to be ready on all Occasions.

Send to New-England, tell them what has
happened to you. They will undoubtedly
awake and lend us their helping Hand. It
is their Interest, as much as ours, to push the
War to a speedy Conclusion. Be not dis-
couraged, the French are not so numerous as
some People talk. If we but heartily unite
to push on the War, and mind our Business,
the French will soon be subdued.

The Magistrates having returned an An-
swer on the twenty seventh, to the Satisfac-
tion of the Indians, they repeated it all over,
Word by Word, to let the Magistrates see
how carefully they minded it, and then
added^

146

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Brethi-en, we are glad to find you are not
discouraged. The best and wisest Men some-
times make Mistakes. Let us now pursue
the War vigorously. We have a hundred
Men out, they are good Scouts. We expect
to meet all the Sachems of the other Nations,
as they come to condole with you. You need
not fear our being ready, at the first Notice.
Our Ax is always in our Hands, but take
Care that you be timely ready. Your Ships,
that must do the principal Work, are long a
fitting out. We do not design to go out with
a small Company, or in sculking Parties ; but
as soon as the Nations can meet, we shall be
ready with our whole Force. If you would
bring this War to a happy Issue, you must
begin soon, before the French can recover the
Losses they have received from us, and get
new Vigour and Life, therefore send in all
Haste to New-England. Neither you nor we
can continue long in the Condition we are
now in, we must order Matters so, that the
French be kept in continual Fear and Alarm
at home ; for this is the only Way to be se-
cure, and in Peace here.

The Scahkok Indians, in our Opinion, are
well placed where they are (to the Northward
of Albany) ; they are a good Out-guard ; they
are our Children, and we shall take Care that
they do their Duty : But you must take Care
of the Indians below the Town, place them

THE HISTORY OF THE

nearer the Town, so as they may be of most
Service to you.

Here we see the Mohawks acting like hearty
Friends, and if the Value of the Belts given
at that Time be considered, together with
what they said on that Occasion, they gave
the strongest Proofs of their Sincerity. Each
of these Belts amount to a large Sum in the
Indian Account.

The English of New-York and the French
of Canada were now entering into a War, in
which the Part the Five Nations are to take
is of the greatest Consequence to both ; the
very Being of the French Colony depended on
it, as well as the Safety of the English. The
Indians at this Time had the greatest
Aversion to the French, and they desired
nothing so much, as that the English might
join heartily in this War. We shall see by
the Sequel how a publick . Spirit, directed by
wise Counsels, can overcome all Difficulties,
while a selfish Spirit loses all, even natural
Advantages. In the present Case, the Turn
Things took seems to have been entirely ow-
ing to one Thing. The French in making the
Count de Frontenac Governor of Canada,
chose the Man every Way the best qualified
for this Service : The English seemed to have
little Regard to the Qualification of the Per-
son they sent, but to gratify a Relation or a
Friend, by giving him an Opportunity to

X48

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c

make a Fortune ; and as he knew that he was
recommended with this View, his Counsels
were chiefly employed for this Purpose.

By this Means an English Governor gener-
ally wants the Esteem of the People ; while
they think that a Governor has not the Good
of the People in View, but his own, they on
all Occasions are jealous of him ; so that even
a good Governor, with more Difficulty, pur-
sues generous Purposes and publick Benefits,
because the People suspect them to be mere
Pretences to cover a private Design. It is
for this Reason, that any Man, opposing a
Governor, is sure to meet with the Favour of
the People, almost in every Case. On the
other Hand, the Opinion the French had of
the Count de Frontenac's publick Spirit, and
of his Wisdom and Diligence, made them
enter into all his Measures without hesitating,
and chearfuUy obey all his Commands.

CHAP. V.

The Five Nations continue the War with the
French; the Mohawks incline to Peace;
their Conferences with the Governor of
New- York,

THE Governor of Canada received Hopes
that the Five Nations inclined to Peace,
by their returning an Answer to Therawaet'g

THE HISTORY OF THE

Message, and thought he might now venture
to send some French to them with further
Proposals. The Chevalier D'O, with an
Interpreter called Collin, and some others,
went ; but they had a much warmer Eecep-
tion than they expected, being forced to run
the Gauntlet through a long Lane of Indians,
as they entered their Castle, and were after-
wards delivered up Prisoners to the English.
The Five Nations kept out at this Time
small Parties, that continually harassed the
French. The Count de Frontenac sent Cap-
tain Louvigni to Missilimakinak, to relieve
the Garison, and he had Orders, by aU
Means, to prevent the Peace which the Uta-
wawas and Quatoghies were upon the Point
of concluding with the Five Nations. He
carried with him one hundred forty three
French, and six Indians, and was likewise
accompanied with a Lieutenant and thirty
Men, till he got one hundred twenty Miles
from Montreal. They were met in Cada-
rackui Eiver, at a Place called the Cats, by a
Party of the Five Nations, who fell vigor-
ously on their Canoes, killed several of the
French, and made them give Way ; but Lou-
vigni, by putting his Men ashore, at last got
the better, after a smart Engagement^ in
which the Indies had several Men killed,
and two Men, and as many Women, taken
Prisoners. I am obliged to rely on the

150

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

French Account of these Skirmishes ; they do
not mention the Number of the Indians in
this Eencounter, but I suspect them to have
been much fewer than the French ; for when
the Enemy are equal in Number, or greater,
they seldom forget to tell it. One of the In-
dian Prisoners was carried by them to Missili-
mackinak, to confirm this Victory, and was
delivered to the Utawawas, who eat him.
The Lieutenant carried the other back with
him. He was given to Therawaet.

To revenge this Loss, the Five Nation,s
sent a Party against the Island of Montreal,
who fell on that Part called the Trembling
Point ; and though they were discovered be-
fore they gave their Blow, they attacked a
Party of regular Troops, and killed the com-
manding Officer, and twelve of his Men : An-
other Party carried off fifteen or sixteen Pris-
oners from Riviere Puante, over against Trois
Rivieres. This Party was pursued, and find-
ing that they were like to be overpowered,
murdered their Prisoners and made their Es-
cape. These Incursions kept all the River,
from Montreal to Quebeck, in continual
Alarm, and obliged the Governor to send all
* the Soldiers to guard the south Side of the
River. Notwithstanding this, five Persons
were carried away in Sight of Sorel Fort, by
a small skulking Party, but they were soon
afterwards recovered by the Soldiers. About

151

THE HISTORY OF THE

the same Time another Party burnt the Plan*
tations at St. Ours.

The Five Nations had conceived great
Hopes from the Assistance of the English, as
the Magistrates of Albany had promised the
Mohawks, when they came to condole, after
the surprising of Schenectady ; but the Eng-
lish were so far from performing these Prom-
ises, that many of the Inhabitants retired
from Albany to New- York; and they who
had the Administration of Affairs, were so
intent on their party Quarrels, that they in-
tirely neglected the Indian Affairs. Indeed
the People of New- York have too often made
large Promises, and have thereby put the In-
dians upon bold Enterprizes, when no Meas-
ures were concerted for supporting them.
This made the Indians think, that the Eng-
lish were lavish of Indian Lives and too care-
ful of their own. The Mohawks, who lived
nearest the English, were most sensible of
these Things, and soon entertained Notions
prejudicial to the Opinion they ought to have
had of the English Prudence and Conduct ;
it is even probable, these Indians began to
entertain a mean Opinion of both the English
Courage and Integrity. It is not strange
then, that the Mohawks at last gave Ear to
the assiduous Application of their Country-
men, the praying Indians, who, with French
Arguments, persuaded them to make Peace as

152

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

soon as possible, without trusting longer to
the English, who had so often disappointed
or deceived them.

The Mohawks sent one of their Sachems,
Odigacege, to the praying Indians, who intro-
duced him to the Count de Frontenac. The
Count made him welcome, and told him, that
he was sorry for the Injuries his Predecessors
had done them ; but that he would treat them
like Friends, if their future Conduct did not
prevent him, and gave him a Belt, with Pro-
posals of Peace to his Nation.

Colonel Slaughter, who was then Govewior
of New- York, being informed that the Five
Nations were like to make Peace with the
French, by their having lost much of their
Confidence in the English Assistance, found
it necessary to meet them, which he did in
the End of May 1691. There were present
at that Time six Oneydo, eleven Onondaga,
four Cayuga, and ten Seneka Sachems. He
renewed the Covenant with them, and gave
them Presents. The Mohawks having en-
tered into a Treaty with the French, did not
join with the other four Nations in their An-
swer.

On the second of June the Speaker, in
Name of the other four Nations, told him,
they were glad to see a Governor again in this
Place ; that they had learned from their An-
cestors, that the first Ship which arrived in

153

THE HISTORY OF THE

this Country surprized them exceedingly;
that they were curious to know what was in
its huge Belly. They found Christians in it,
and among them one Jacques, with whom
they made a Chain of Friendship, which has
been preserved to this Day. By that Chain
it was agreed, that whatever Injury was done
to the one, should be deemed, by both Sides,
as likewise done to the other. Then they
mentioned the Confusion that had lately been
in the Government of New- York, which had
like to have confounded all their Affairs, but
hoped all would be reduced to their wonted
Order and Quiet. They complained of sev-
eral of the Brethren leaving Albany in Time
of Danger, and praised those by Name who
staid, and then said: Our Tree of Peace,
which grows in this Place, has of late been
much shaken, we must now secure and fasten
its Roots; we must frequently manure and
dress it, that its Eoots may spread far

They assured the Governor, that they were
resolved to prosecute the War against the
French as long as they lived, and that they
would never speak of Peace, but with the
common Consent. They abhor those that do
otherwise, and desired that the Brethren
might not keep a Correspondence with Can-
ada by Letters. You need not (said they)
press us to mind the War, we mind it above
all Things ; do you but your Parts, lay aside

154

FIVE INDIAK NATIONS, &o.

all other Thoughts but that of the War, for
it is the ouly Thing we have at Heart. They
gave Bevers at the End of every distinct
Part of their Answer.

On the fourth the Mohawks spoke to the
Governor, in Presence of the other four Na-
tions : They confessed the Negotiations they
had with the Praying Indians, and with the
Governor of Canada, and that they had re-
ceived a Belt from him. Then they restored
one of the Prisoners taken at Schenectady, as
the Fruit of that Negotiation. They desired
the Governor's Advice, and the Advice of the
whole House, what Answer to return to the
Governor of Canada ; and lastly, desired the
Senekas to release the Prisoners they had
taken from the Praying Indians.

Colonel Slaughter checked the Mohawks
for entering mto a separate Treaty with the
Enemy, and said he could admit of no Pro-
posals of Peace. He told them, that the
Prisoners taken from the Praying Indians
must not be restored ; putting them in mind,
that some of them having been formerly re-
leased, soon after returned and murdered sev-
eral People, and burnt several Houses.

He assured them of his Assistance, and
then added, You must keep the Enemy in
perpetual Alarm. The Mohawke thanked
him for his Assurance of Assistance ; but took
Notice of his saying. You must keep the Ene-

155

THE HISTORY OF THE

my in perpetual Alarm. Why don't you say,
they replied, We will keep the Enemy in per-
petual Alarm. In the last Place, the Mo-
hawks renewed their League with all the Eng-
lish Colonies ; adding, Though an angry Dog
has endeavoured to bite the Chain in Pieces,
we are resolved to keep it firm, both in Peace
and in War : We now renew the old Chain,
that so the Tree of Peace and Prosperity may
flourish, and spread its Koots through all the
Country.

In the last Place, the four Nations an-
swered the Mohawks.

"Mohawks, our Brethren, in answer to
your Proposals from the Governor of Canada,
we must put you in Mind of his Deceit and
Treachery ; we need only give one recent In-
stance, how he lately sent to the Senekas to
treat of Peace, and at the same Time fell
upon Schenectady, and cut that Place off.
We tell you, that the Belt sent by the
French Governor is Poison ; we spew it out of
our Mouths, we absolutely reject it, and are
resolved to prosecute the War as long as we
live.'' Then they left the Belt lying on the
Ground.

156

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

CHAP. VI.

The English attack Montreal by Landy in
Conjunction with the Indians j and Qusbeck
by Sea,

IT was now evident that the Indians could
no longer be amused with Words, and
that, unless the English entered soon upon
Action, the French would carry their Design
of making Peace with the Five Nations, and
the English be left to carry on the War in
America by themselves. Certainly a more
proper Opportunity of doing it with Success
could not be expected, than at present, while
the French in Canada had neither recovered
their Spirits, nor the Strength they had lost,
by the terrible Incursions of the Five Nations.
A joint Invasion on Canada was concerted
with New-England, they were to attack Que-
beck by Sea, while New-York attacked
Montreal by Land. The Governor therefore
proposed to the Indians to join with him in
attacking Canada, for which Purpose he told
them, that he designed to send a considerable
Force this Summer. They desired Time to
consult on it at their general Meeting, which
was soon to be held at Onondaga, and to
know what Number of Christians he designed
to send, that they might join a suitable Num-

157

THE HISTORY OP THE

ber of their Men. To this the Governor an-
swered, that he must not communicate the
Particulars of his Design to so many, be-
cause they could not then be kept secret from
the Enemy ; as he found by the Discoveries
that were last Year made to the French by
that Means.

It was at last agreed, that the Mohawks
should join with the Christians that were to
march from New-York directly against Mon-
treal, and that the other four Nations should
send a considerable Party down Gadarackui
Lake, and join them before Montreal.

Major Peter Schuyler, the same whom the
Indians call Quider, commanded the Party
sent from New-York, which consisted of three
hundred Men, one half Christians, the other
Mohawks and Scahkook Indians. He set out
from Albany about Midsummer. As he was
preparing his Canoes to pass Corlear's Lake,
he was discovered by the French Indians,
who immediately returned to Montreal, to
give Information of what they had seen.
The Chevalier Clermont was sent out to
make further Discoveries: He found the
English above Chamblie, and went immedi-
ately back with the Intelligence he there
gained. In the mean while Mr. de Callieres,
Governor of Montreal, did all in his Power to
give Major Schuyler a proper Reception, by
drawing the Militia and regular Troops to-

158

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

gether for the Defence of the Place. There
happened to be a very considerable Number
of Utawawas trading at that Time at Mon-
treal, Mr. de CoUiere, in Order to engage
them to join him, made a great Feast for
them, went among them, and, after the In-
dian Manner, began the war Song, leading up
the Dance with his Axe in his Hand, and
shouting and hollowing in the same wild
Manner the Indians do. This done, he car-
ried his whole Force, which consisted of
twelve hundred Men, cross the Eiver, and
encamped on the south Side, at la Prairie de
la Magdeleine, together with a great Number
of Utawawas, the Praying Indians, and other
French Indians. The famous Therawaet be-
ing now entirely gained by the Caresses of
the Count de Frontenac, made one of the
Number. They encamped round the Fort,
which stood on a steep rising Ground between
two Meadows.

Major Schuyler having left forty of his
Men to guard his Canoes, which had carried
him cross the Lake, marched on without
stopping. He got into a Hollow, which led
into the Meadow, without being discovered ;
and marching under that Cover, he fell sud-
denly upon the Militia, who were soon put
into Confusion, and many of them, and of
the Utawawas, who were posted with them,
were killed. He pursued them as they fled

159

THE HISTORY OF THE

to the Fort, which he attacked briskly, but
was obliged to leave it, by the Approach of
the regular Troops who came to relieve it.
He received them however bravely, and, after
they had lost several Officers and many Men,
they retired. Major Schuyler finding the
Number of the Enemy much greater than was
expected, and being informed that a consid-
erable Part of the Enemy had marched South-
ward, he began to apprehend, that this Pai-ty
was sent to cut off his Retreat, by destrojdng
his Canoes. It was resolved therefore imme-
diately to follow this Party; he overtook
them, and they covering themselves behind
some large fallen Trees, he attacked them,
and made his Way through them, but with
considerable Loss.

In this Attack the Mohawks signalized
themselves, but the Scahkook Indians did not
behave themselves well. The Mohawks,
upon no Occasion, yielded an Inch of Ground,
till the English first gave Way. The French,
by their own Accounts, lost, in the several
Attacks made by Schuyler, two Captains, six
Lieutenants, and five Ensigns, and, in all,
three hundred Men, so that their Slain were
in Number more than Major Schuyler had
with him. The Mohawks suffered much,
having seventeen Men killed, and eleven
wounded. They returned to Albany the elev-
enth of August.

160

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

After the English under Major Schuyler
had retired, an Owenagunga Indian came from
New-England, with an Account of the Prepa-
rations made there against Canada, and that
they had actually sailed.

This Fleet, which was commanded by Sir
William Phips, was discovered in St. Laurence
Bay, while the Count de Frontenac remained
at Montreal ; and thereupon he made all pos-
sible Haste to Quebeck, and carried three
hundred Men with him.

The Fleet, which consisted of thirty Sail,
did not reach Quebeck till the seventh of Oc-
tober. Sir William spent three Days in noth-
ing but Consultation, while the French made
all possible Preparation for a Defence, and,
by this Means, suffered them to get over the
Fright and Consternation, into which the first
Appearance of the Fleet had thrown them ;
for the Place was not in any Posture of De-
fence. It gave them Time likewise to draw
all the Country round them into the Town.
And on the fourth Day Sir William summoned
the Count to surrender, who returned him
such an Answer as his Conduct deserved.

The English landed four Miles below the
Town, and had thick Woods to march
through, before they could come at it, in
which Ambuscades of French and Indians
were made at proper Distances, by whom the
English were repulsed with considerable Loss.
Vol. L-11 161

THE HISTORY OF THE

They attempted the Wood again the next Day
with no better Success.

The French, in their Account of this Ac-
tion, say, that the Men, though they ap-
peared to be as little disciplined as Men could
be, behaved with great Bravery, but that Sir
William's Conduct was such, that, if he had
been in Concert with them, he could not have
done more to rain the Enterprize ; yet his Fi-
delity was never suspected. In short, this
Descent was so ill managed, that the English
got on Board again in the Night, with the
Loss of all the Cannon and Baggage which
they had landed.

The French thought themselves in such
great Danger at that Time, that they attrib-
uted their Deliverance to the most immediate
Protection of Heaven, in confounding the De-
vices of their Enemy, and by depriving them
of common Sense ; and for this Reason the
People of Quebeck make an annual Proces-
sion, in Commemoration of this Deliverance.

Sir William cannonaded the Town for some
Time with little Execution, and then returned
in Hast, Winter approaching; indeed that
Season was already so far advanced, that he
lost eight Vessels in his Return.

The Five Nations continued their Incur-
sions all along St. Laurence River, from Mon-
treal to Quebeck, and carried away piany
Scalps. At one Time a French Officer, with

163

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

thirty eight Men, surprised some of the Five
Nations in a Cabin, which they had built near
Lake St. Piere. Some of them escaped and
informed two other Cabins, which the French
had not discovered, and they returned with
their Companions, and killed the Captain and
Lieutenant, and one half of the Men.

Notwithstanding that the French preserved
their Country, these warlike Expeditions,
and the Necessity they were under of being
on their Guard, prevented their cultivating
the Ground, or of reaping the Fruit of what
they had sowed or planted. This occasioned
a Famine in Canada, and, to increase the Mis-
ery of the poor Inhabitants, they were forced
to feed the Soldiers gratis, while their own
Children wanted Bread.

In October the Onondagas, Cayugas, and
Oneydoes came to Albany, to condole with
the English, for the Men lost in the Expedi-
tion against Montreal, as they had already
done with the Mohawks. They said it was
ever their Custom to condole with their
Friends when they lost any Number of Men
in Battle, though they had the Victory. They
at the same Time, as they had often done be-
fore, complained of the Deamess of Powder :
Why, say they, do you call us your King's
Soldiers, when you will not sell us Powder at
the usual and reasonable Eates?

And in answer to a Complaint, of there not

163

THE HISTORY OF THE

being a sufficient Number of English sent
against Montreal, the People of Albany up-
braided them with a Breach of Promise, in
not sending that Party down Cadarackui
River which they promised, which they said
was the chief Reason of the want of Success
in that Expedition.

CHAP. VII.

The French and the Five Nations Continue
the War all Winter with various Success,
The French hum a Captain of the Five
Nations alive,

THE old French Governor kept up his
Vigour and Spirits wonderfully, no Fa-
tigue made him ever think of Rest. He
knew of what Use it would be to convince the
Five Nations, that the joint Attack of the
English and Indians had neither weakened
him, nor frightened him from carrying on the
War with as much Vigour as before. It was
absolutely necessary that the Utawawas and
other Western Indians, who came to Montreal
to trade, should return safe to their own
Country, otherwise there would be an End to
the French Trade with those Nations, upon
which the Being of Canada depends ; for it is
only by the Fur-trade with these Nations

164

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

that they make Returns to Europe ; and if
these Nations did not return in Time, all the
Western Indians would look on the French
as lost, and consequently would make Peace
with the Five Nations, and perhaps join in
the Destruction of Canada.

Captain la Forest, with one hundred and
ten Men, was sent to conduct the Utawawas
Home; he carried with him considerable
Presents sent by the King of France, to con-
firm these Nations in the French Interest.

Two Indian Prisoners, taken at la Prairie,
were given to the Utawawas, and carried with
them, to confirm the Stories they were to tell
of their Successes against the English and
Five Nations. These poor Men were there
burnt alive ; and if I should add, that it was
done by French Instigation, what I shall re-
late by and by will clear me of the want of
Charity. I believe it was so, in Order to rivet
the Hatred between these People and the
Five Nations.

The Five Nations continued their Incur-
sions all Winter on Canada. Forty of the
Mohawks fell upon Fort Vercheres, and car-
ried off twenty of the Inhabitants ; but the
Alarm reaching Montreal, Mr. de Crizaei,
with one hundred Men of the regular Troops,
was sent in pursuit of them, who recovered
most of the Prisoners.

The Count de Frontenac being informed,

165

THE HISTORY OP THE

that a considerable Party of the Five Nations
hunted Bever on the Neck of Land between
Cadarackui Lake and Lake Erie, with great
Security, resolved to give them a better
Opinion of the Strength and Courage of the
French. For this Purpose he sent three hun-
dred and twelve Men to surprise them, under
the Command of Mr. Beaucour, a young Gen-
tleman. The Praying Indians of Montreal
Were of the Party. This Expedition being in
the Winter, they were obliged to undergo
cruel Fatigues, while they marched on the
Snow with snow Shoes, and carried all their
Provision on their Backs. Several of the
French had their Feet frozen, which obliged
fifteen to return, with some old Indians, that
could not bear the Fatigue ; and it was with
much Difficulty that Beaucour could persuade
the rest to continue their March. After a
March to a surprizing Distance, at that Sea-
son of the Year, they surprised eighty of the
Five Nations, who notwithstanding made a
brave Defence, and did not run before they
left most of their Men dead on the Spot.
Three Women were made Prisoners, with
whom the French immediately turned back
to Montreal. Some stragling Parties went
towards Albany, but did no more Mischief
than killing two or three stragling Persons,
and alarming the Country.

The Trade to Missilimakinak being still in*

166

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

tirely stopt, by the Parties of the Five Na-
tions investing Cadarackui River, by which,
and Cadarackui Lake, the Passage in Canoes
is made to the Western Indians, Captain la
None, with a Command of the regular Troops,
was ordered eai-ly in the Spring to guard the
Traders through that Passage ; but when he
reached the Falls de Calumette, he discovered
the Enemy, and returned faster than he went.

La None had Orders a second Time to at-
tempt this Passage, and went as far as the
River du Lievre (thirty Leagues from Mon-
treal) without any Obstruction; but there
discovering several Canoes of the Five Na-
tions, he went back as fast as before.

The Quatoghies and the Bullheads* having
informed the French of another smaller Riv-
er, which falls into Cadarackui River, and
runs to the Northward of it, by which a Pas-
sage might be made to the Lakes, it was re-
solved to attempt this Passage, though it
were much farther round, and more danger-
ous, there being many more rapid Falls in
that River. Three Officers, with thirty Sol-
diers, were sent with the Traders for this
Purpose, but a Party of the Five Nations
meeting with them in the long Fall, before
they reached this River, they were all killed
or taken, except four that escaped back to
Montreal.

* The Bullheads are said to be cowardly People.

167

THE HISTORY OF THE

A considerable Party of the Five Nations,
under the Command of Blackkettle, a famous
Hero, continued a long Time on Cadarackui
River, in hopes of meeting with other French
Parties, in their Passage towards Missili-
makinak ; but finding that no Attempts were
made that Way, he resolved to make an Ir-^
ruption into the Country round Montreal.
The French say he had six hundred Men with
him ; but they usually increase the Number
of their Enemies, in the Relation they give of
these TransaoMons, either to excuse their
Fears, or to increase their Glory.

Blackkettle overrun the Country (to use the
French Expression) as a Torrent does the
Low-lands, when it overflows its Banks, and
there is no withstanding it. The Soldiers
had Orders to stand upon the defensive with-
in their Forts. Mr. de Vaudreuil pursued this
Party (after they had burnt and ravaged the
whole Country) at the Head of four hundred
Men; he overtook them and surprised them.
The Five Nations fought desperately, though
the same Author, at this Place, makes theui
no more than two hundred Men. After they
had lost twenty Men on the Spot, they broke
through the French, and marched off. The
French lost four Officers and many common
Soldiers, and they took five Men, nine Wom-
en, and five Children Prisoners.

The Five Nations in a few Days had how-

168

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

ever some Revenge; a Captain having had
Orders to guard the Vessels from Montreal
to Quebeck, a Party of the Five Nations
attacked him in his Return, as he passed
through the Islands in Lake St. Pierre. He
himself was killed, and the whole Party in-
tirely routed.

The French all this Summer were obliged
to keep upon the defensive within their Forts,
while the Five Nations, in small Parties, rav-
aged the whole Country, so that no Man
stirred the least Distance from a Fort, but he
was in danger of losing his Scalp. ,

The Count de Frontenac was pierced to the
Heart, when he found that he could not re-
venge these terrible Incursions of the Five
Nations ; and his Anguish made him guilty
of such a Piece of monstrous Cruelty, in burn-
ing a Prisoner alive after the Indian Manner,
as though I have frequently mentioned to
have been done by the Indians, yet I forbore
giving the Particulars of such barbarous Acts,
suspecting it might be too offensive to Chris-
tian Ears, even in the History of Savages.
Here however I think it useful to give a cir-
cumstantial Account of this horrid Act, to
shew on one Hand, what Courage and Reso-
lution, Virtue, the Love of Glory, and the
Love of one^s Country can instill into Mens
Minds, even where the Knowledge of true
Religion is wanting ; and on the other Hand,

169

THE HISTORY OF THE

how far a false Policy, under a corrupt Reli-
gion, can debase even great Minds.

The Count de Frontenac, I say, condemned
two Prisoners of the Five Nations to be burnt
publickly alive. The Intendant's Lady in-
treated him to moderate the Sentence, and
the Jesuits, it is said, used their Endeavours
for the same Purpose. But the Count de
Frontenac said, there is a Necessity of mak-
ing such an Example, to frighten the Five
Nations from approaching the Plantations,
since the Indulgence, that had hitherto been
shewn, had incouraged them to advance with
the greatest Boldness to the very Gates of
their Towns ; while they thought they run no
other Risque, but of being made Prisoners,
where they live better than at Home. He
added, that the Five Nations having burnt so
many French, justified this Method of mak-
ing Reprizals. But with Submission to the
Politeness of the French Nation, may I not
ask, whether every (or any) horrid Action of
a barbarous Enemy, can justify a civilized
Nation in doing the like?

When the Governor could not be moved,
the Jesuits went to the Prison, to instruct
the Prisoners in the Mysteries of our Holy
Religion, viz. of the Trinity, the Incarnation
of our Saviour, the Joys of Paradise, and the
Punishments of Hell, to fit their Souls for
Heaven by Baptism, while their Bodies were

170

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

condemned to Torments. But the Indians,
after they had heard their Sentence, refused
to hear the Jesuits speak, and began to pre-
pare for Death in their own Country Manner,
by singing their Death Song.

Some charitable Person threw a Knife into
the Prison, with which one of them dispatched
himself: The other was carried out to the
Place of Execution by the Christian Indians
of Loretto, to which he walked, seemingly,
with as much Indifference as ever Martyr did
to the Stake. While they were torturing him
he continued singing, that he was a Warrior
brave and without Fear ; that the most cruel
Death could not shake his Courage ; that the
most cruel Torment should not draw an inde-
cent Expression from him ; that his Comrade
was a Coward, a Scandal to the Five Nations,
who had killed himself for fear of Pain ; that
he had the Comfort to reflect, that he had
made many Frenchmen suffer as he did now.
He fully verified his Words, for the most vio-
lent Torment could not force the least Com-
plaint from him, though his Executioners
tried their utmost Skill to do it. They first
broiled his Feet between two red hot Stones ;
then they put his Fingers into red hot Pipes,
and though he had his Arms at Liberty, he
would not pull his Fingers out ; they cut his
Joints, and taking hold of the Sinews, twisted
them round small Bars of Iron. All this

171

THE HISTORY OF THE

while he kept singing and recounting his own
brave Actions against the French. At last
they flead his Scalp from his Skull, and
poured scalding hot Sand upon it ; at which
Time the Intendant's Lady obtained Leave
of the Governor to have the Coup-de-grace
given, and I believe she thereby likewise ob-
tained a Favour to every Reader, in deliver-
ing him from a further continuance of this
Account of French Cruelty.

Notwithstanding this Cruelty, which the
French Governor manifested towards the Five
Nations, and thereby his Hatred of them, he
found Peace with them so necessary to Cana-
da, that he still pursued it by all the Means
in his Power. For this Purpose the Praying
Indians (who, as I observed before, are Mo-
hawks, and have always kept a Correspond-
ence with their own Nation) were employed
to bring it about, and to endeavour a Cessa-
tion of Arms, that the Governor might have
an Opportunity of shewing what kind Things
he had in his Heart towards the Five Nations,
but without Success.

173

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

CHAP. VII.

The Five Nations treat with Captain

Ingoldsby,

THE Governor of New- York, Colonel
Slaughter's Death, soon after his Arri-
val, was very prejudicial to the Affairs of
New- York ; for Captain Ingoldsby, who had
no other Commission but that of Captain of
one of the Independent Companies of Foot,
took upon himself the Government of the
Province, without any Authority; and he
having likewise highly offended a great Num-
ber of the People, by the Share he took in
the late Party Quarrels, it was not easy
for him to prosecute any vigorous Measures.
He was reckoned to be much more a Soldier
than a Statesman.

Captain Ingoldsby met the Five Nations at
Albany, the sixth of June 1692. In his
Speech, he told them of his vigorous Resolu-
tions to prosecute the War, and then blamed
them for not sending (according to their
Promise) a Party down Cadarackui River, to
join them that went from Albany against
Montreal, and for their Carelessness in suf-
fering themselves to be surprised last Winter
in their Hunting. He desired them to keep

173

THE HISTORY OF THE

the Enemy in perpetual Alarm, by the Incur-
sions of their Parties into the Enemy's Coun-
try, and to give him timely Notice of all their
Motions. He told them in the next Place,
that he heard the French were still using
their wonted Artifice, of amusing them with
Offers of Peace ; but the former Proceedings
of the French sufficiently demonstrates, said
he to the Brethren, that while Peace is in
their Mouths, War is in their Hearts, and the
late horrid Murder of the Brethren, after
Quarter given, sufficiently shews the Perfidy
and Rancour of their Hearts. It is in vain,
said he, to think of any Cessation of Arms,
much less of a Peace, while the two Kings
are at War at Home. He added, Virginia is
ready to assist us, and only waits the King's
Orders, which are daily expected, and then
renewed the Chain for Virginia. In the last
Place he told them, that he heard the Dion-
ondadas had sent two Prisoners Home, with
a View thereby to procure Peace ; and advised
them by all Means to make Peace with that
Nation.

The Five Nations answered by Cheda, an
Oneydo Sachem:

^^ Brother Corleavy

The Sachems of the Five Nations have
with great Attention heard Corlear speak ; we
shall make a short Recital, to shew you with

174

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

what Care we have hearkened. After the
Recital he continued.

We heartily thank Corlear, for his coming
to this Place to view the Strength thereof, for
his bringing Forces with him, and for his Res-
olution of putting Garisons into the Frontier
Places. Giving five Bevers and a Belt.

Brother Corlear, as to what you blame us
for, let us not reproach one another, such
Words do not savour well among Friends.
They gave nothing with this Article.

Brother Corlear, be patient under the Loss
of your Men, as we are of the Mohawks our
Brethren, that were killed at the same Time.
You take no Notice of the great Losses we
have suffered. We designed to have come to
this Place to have condoled with you in your
Loss, but the War took up all our Time, and
employed all Hands. They gave five Bevers,
four Otters, and one Belt, as a Gift of Con-
dolence.

Brother Corlear, we are all Subjects of one
great King and Queen, we have one Head,
one Heart, one Laterest, and are all ingaged
in the same War. You tell us, that we must
expect no Peace while the Kings are at War
on the other Side the great Water. We
thank you for being so plain with us. We
assure you we have no Thoughts of Peace.
We are resolved to carry on the War, though
we know we only are in danger of being

X75

THE HISTORY OF THE

Losers. Pray do you prosecute the War with
the same Eesolution. You are strong and
have many People. You have a great King,
who is able to hold out long. We are but a
small People, and decline daily, by the Men
we lose in this War, we do our utmost to de-
stroy the Enemy ; but how strange does it
seem to us I How unaccountable that while
our great King is so inveterate against the
French, and. you are so earnest with us to
carry on the War, that Powder is now sold
dearer to us than ever? We are poor, and
not able to buy while we neglect hunting;
and we cannot hunt and carry on the War at
the same Time : We expect, that this EvU we
so justly complain of be immediately reme-
died. Giving nine Bevers.

Brother Corlear, you desire us to keep the
Enemy in perpetual Alarm, that they may
have no Rest, till they are in their Graves ;
Is it not to secure your own Frontiers? Why
then not one Word of your People that are
to join us? We assure you we shall continue
to carry on the War into the Heart of the
Enemies Country. Giving eight Bevers.

We the Five Nations, Mohawks, Oneydoes,
Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senekas, renew the
Silver Chain whereby we are linked fast
with our Brethren of Assarigoa (Virginia) and
we promise to preserve it as long as the Sun
shall shine in the Heavens. Giving ten Bevers.

176

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS. &c.

But Brother Corlear, How comes it, that
none of our Brethren fastened in the same
Chain with us, offer their helping Hand in
this general War, in which our great King is
engaged against the French? Pray Corlear,
how come Maryland, Delaware River, and
New-England, to be disengaged from this
War? You have always told us, that they
are our Brethren, Subjects of the same great
King. Has our King sold them? Or do
they faU in their Obedience? Or do they
draw their Arms out of our Chain? Or has
the great King commanded, that the few
Subjects he has in this Place, should make
War against the French alone? Pray make
plain to us this Mystery? How can they and
we be Brethren, and make different Families?
How can they and we be Subjects of the same
great King, and not be engaged in the same
War? How can they and we have the same
Heart, the same Head, and the same Interest,
as you tell us, and not have the same
Thoughts? How comes it, that the Enemy
bums and destroys the Towns in New-Eng-
land, and they make no Resistance? How
comes our great King to make War, and not
to destroy his Enemies? When, if he would
only command his Subjects on this Side the
great Lake to joyn, the Destruction of the
Enemy would not make one Summer's Work.

You need not warn us of the Deceit and
Vol. I.— 13 177

THE HISTORY OF THE

Treachery of the French, who would probably
msinuate Thoughts of Peace ; but Brethren,
you need not fear us, we will never hearken
to them : Tho' at the same Time, we must
own, that we have not been without Thoughts
of your being inclined to Peace, by Reason of
the Brethrens Backwardness in pushing on
the War. The French spread Reports among
us to this Purpose, and say, that they had in
a Manner concluded the Matter with you.
We rejoice to be now assured of this Fals-
hood. We shall never desist fighting the
French as long as we shall live. And gave a
Belt of Wampum.

We now renew the old Chain, and here
plant the Tree of Prosperity and Peace. May
it grow and thrive, and spread its Roots even
beyond Canada. Giving a Belt.

We make the House clean, where all our
Affairs of Importance are transacted with
these five Otters.

We return you Thanks for the Powder and
Lead given us; but what shall we do with
them without Guns, shall we throw them at
the Enemy? We doubt they will not hurt
them so. Before this we always had Guns
given us. It is no Wonder the Governor of
Canada gains upon us, for he supplies his
Indians with Guns as well as Powder; he
supplies them plentifully with every Thing

that can hurt us. Giving five Otters.

178

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

As to the Dionondadas setting two of our
Nation at Liberty, we must tell you , that it
was not the Act of that Nation, but the pri-
vate Act of one Person : We are desirous to
make Peace with that Nation as soon as we
can, upon honourable Terms. And gave a
Belt.

The Mohawks, before they left the Place,
desired a private Conference with the Gover-
nor, and told him, that they were all exceed-
ingly dissatisfied, that the other English Col-
onies gave no Assistance, and that it might
prove of ill Consequence. Captain Ingoldsby
promised to write to them, and hoped it
would have a good Effect.

CHAP. IX.

The French surprise and take three Mohawk

Castles.

THE Praying Indians promised their En-
deavours to reconcile their Brethren
the Mohawks to the French, on whom the
French expected they would have much In-
fluence ; but their Endeavours proving ineffec-
tual, their Correspondence began to be sus-
pected. The French thought they did more
Hurt than Good, by the Intelligence the Ene-

179

THE HISTORY OF THE

niy by their Means received. The French in
Canada began to lose their Spirits, by being
obliged to remain so long upon the defensive,
as the Five Nations gained more Courage by
it. The Count de Frontenac thought it there-
fore absolutely necessary to undertake some
bold Enterprize, to shew the Five Nations,
that they had to do with an Enemy still able
to act offensively: An Attack on the Mo-
hawks he thought would be most effectual for
this Purpose, because it would shew, at the
same Time, that the English would not pro-
tect their nearest Neighbours. As this was
designed to be done by Surprize, the Winter
Season was chosen for this Purpose, as least
to be suspected at such a Time ; and when the
Enemy could not, without great Hardship,
keep Scouts abroad, to discover them or the
English give any Assistance.

The Body of the French designed for this
Expedition was put under three Captains of
the regular Troops, and thirty Subalterns, -and
consisted of picked Men of the regular Troops
of the common Militia of the Country of the
Praying Indians, the Quatoghies of Loretto,
Adirondacks, and Sohokies, who live to the
eastward of Boston, making in all about six
or seven hundred Men, so that a great Part
of the Force of Canada was employed in it.
They were well supplied with all Sorts of
\mmunition. Provision, Snow-Shoes, and

180

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

such Conveniencies for Carriage, as were
practicable upon the Snow, and through such
great Forests as they had to pass. The
French at Canada have a Kind of light
Sledges made with Skins, and are drawn by
large Dogs on the frozen Snow.

They set out from la Prairie de Magdaleine
the 15th of January 1692-3, after having
endured what might have been thought unsur-
mountable Hardships ; they passed by Sche-
nectady at some Distance from it, on the 8th
of February, at which Time one that had
been taken Prisoner, when that Place was
sacked, made his Escape from them, and gave
the People of Schenectady Intelligence of the
French, who by an Express, immediately in-
formed the Commandant of Albany. The
Militia was expeditiously raised, and a Lieu-
tenant with fifty five Horse was immediately
dispatched to Schenectady ; but no Care was
taken to give the Mohawks Notice, which
might have been done without much Danger,
by sending up the South Side of the Kiver,
whilst the French marched on the North.
The French, on the 8th at Night, reached the
first Mohawk Castle, where there were only
five Men, and some Women and Children in
great Security, their other Men being all
abroad, these were all taken without Opposi-
tion. The next Fort not far from it was in
like Manner surprized, without any Opposi-

181

THE HISTORY OF THE

tion, both of them were very small, and be-
ing next the English, not fortified.

Schenectady being the nearest English Set-
tlement to the Mohawks, and but a little
Way from their nearest Castle, many of them
are always there. The Mohawks then in the
Town were exceedingly enraged, that none
went out to assist their Nation ; some were
sent therefore out the next Day, to gain In-
formation of the Enemy, and to give the
Mohawks Notice ; but they returned without
doing their Duty.

The French went on to the next Mohawk
Fort, which was the largest ; and coming to
that in the Night, they heard some Noise,
and suspected they were discovered: But
this Noise was only occasioned by a War
Dance, forty of the Indians designing to go
next Day upon some Enterprize. The French
approached the Castle silently, and finding
the Indians no way on their Guard, opened
the Gate, and entered before they were dis-
covered; but notwithstanding this, and the
Confusion the Indians must be in, this Con-
quest was not without Loss of Blood, the
French having lost thirty Men, before the In-
dians entirely submitted: The French de-
signed to have put them all to the Sword, but
their own Indians would not suffer it, and
gave Quarter : They took three hundred Pris-
oners, of whom one hundred were fighting

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Men. I have no Account of the Number of
Mohawks killed, but no Doubt it was very-
considerable.

When the Account came to Albany, how
much the Mohawks, who were at Schenectady,
were enraged, that no Assistance was sent to
their Countrymen; Peter Schuyler a Major
of the Militia offered himself to go with what
Force could be got ready for their Assistance.
He went himself immediately to Schenectady,
and sent out to discover the Enemy: His
Scouts brought him Intelligence, first, that the
French were in Possession of the two small-
est Forts, afterwards, that they had heard
great Firing at the largest Fort ; and at last,
that it was taken. Having received 200
Men, partly regular Troops, but most of the
Militia, he began his March on the 12th in
Quest of the Enemy ; but hearing soon after,
that six hundred Men of the upper Castles
were on their March, 'tis probable he did not
endeavor to be up with the French so soon as
he might ; for I find by his Journal, that he
was nearer them on the fourteenth, than he
was two Days after. He had not sufficient
Force to fight them : He sent therefore to the
upper Indians, to hasten their March. On
the 15th he was joined by these Indians, in
all two hundred and ninety Men and Boys,
very ill armed. His Body then consisted of
two hundred and fifty Christians, and two

188

THE HISTORY OF THE

hundred and ninety Indians, armed fighting
Men. They had no other Provision but some
Biscuit every Man had in his Pocket. On
the 16th he was informed by an Indian, who
pretended to be a Deserter, that the French
had built a Fort, where they designed to wait
for him, and fight him ; whereupon he sent
an Express to Coll. Ingoldesby, then Com-
mandant at Albany, to hasten more Men to
join him, with sufficient Provision for the
whole. He found afterwards, that this In-
dian was sent by the French, on purpose to
persuade the Indians to give over the Pursuit.
Major Schuyler came up to the Enemy on the
17th ; when he came near them he did not go
on streight towards them, for Fear of Am-
buscades, but marched round. As soon as he
came in Sight, he was saluted with three loud
Shouts, which were answered with as much
Noise. The Indians began in their Manner
to secure themselves, by felling the Trees be-
tween them, and the Enemy sallied out to
prevent them, but were soon beat back. The
Indians fell to Work again, and desired the
Christians to assist them, which was done,
but in such confusion, that they themselves
were in Danger from the falling Trees. The
French sallied a second Time with all their
Force, crying out. They run, we'll cut them
off, and get their Provisions ; but they were
warmly received, and beat back into their

184

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Fort. They sallied a third Time, and were
beat back with considerable Loss, the Indians
bringing in several Heads and Scalps. As
soon as the Skirmishing was over, the Major
sent back an Express, to hasten the Men that
were to reinforce him, and were to bring Pro-
vision, some of the Men having had no Pro-
vision for two Days. The Major then secured
himself, under the Cover of the fallen Trees,
and kept out Watches to observe the French.
The 18th proving a cold stormy Day, with
Snow, he was informed, by a Deserter, that
the French were upon their Mai-ch, it not
being easy to follow their Tracks, or to dis-
cover them in such Weather. The Officers
were commanded to pursue and retard their
March, till the Reinforcement should come
up, but the Men refused to march without
Provision. The Officers, with about 60 Men,
and a Body of Indians, followed the Enemy
till Night, when they began to secure them-
selves, by fortifying their Camp. The Offi-
cers wanting a sufficient Number to secure
themselves in like Manner, or to fight the
Enemy, returned, leaving about forty Chris-
tians, and one hundred Indians, to observe
them. On the 19th the Provisions, with
about 80 Men, arrived, under the Command
of Captain Sims of the regular Troops.
Every Man, as he was served with Provisions,
marched towards the Enemy. The Van was

185

THE HISTORY OF THE

commanded by Captain Peter Matthews of
the regular Troops, who coming up with the
Enemy's Rear, would have attacked them, to
retard their March, but the Mohawks were
averse to fighting. The French dropt on pur-
pose several of their Prisoners, who told the
Mohawks, that the French were resolved to
put all the Prisoners to the Sword, if they
should be attacked. The Enemy passed the
!N"orth Branch of Hudson's River upon a
Cake of Ice, which, very opportunely for
them, stuck there in one Place, while it was
open by a late Thaw, both above and below.
The Weather continuing very cold, and the
Indians averse to fighting. Major Schuyler
gave over the Pursuit on the 20th, having lost
only four private Men, and as many Indians,
two Officers and twelve Men Christians and
Indians were wounded. The French lost
thirty three Men (the Bodies of twenty seven
were found) of whom four were Officers, and
twenty-six wounded, as the Deserters told
him. Between forty and fifty Prisoners were
recovered. I have been told, that Captain
Matthews desired Coll. Schuyler, when he
came first up with the French, to summon
them to surrender ; he said, the French are in
great Distress, and this will give them an
Opinion of our Strength ; but Coll. Schuyler
refused, tho' he was brave, he was no Soldier ;
and it is very probable, that the French ob-

186

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

serving the want of Conduct and Discipline,
were encouraged. It is true, the English
were in great Want of Provisions at that
Time. The Indians eat the Bodies of the
French that they found. Coll. Schuyler (as
he told me himself) going among the Indians
at that Time, was invited to eat Broth with
them, which some of them had ready boiled,
which he did, till they, putting the Ladle into
the Kettle to take out more, brought out a
French Man's Hand, which put an End to his
Appetite.

The French went home as fast as they
could carry their wounded Men with them ;
but coming to a Place, where they had hid
Provisions for their Supply in their return,
they found it all spoiled. This put them in
great Distress, so that they were forced to eat
their Shoes ; they sent some of the nimblest
Men forward to Montreal, that Provision
might meet them. As soon as they came
near the Settlements they dispersed, every
Man running home to eat, so that they re-
turned to Canada like an Army routed. The
French own they lost eighty Men, and had
thirty three wounded in this Expedition.

One may wonder how it is possible for Men
to march several hundred Miles in the Wil-
derness, while the Ground is every where
covered with Snow, two or three Feet deep
at least; but the foremost march on Snow

187

THE HISTORY OF THE

Shoes, which beat a firm Track for those that
follow. At Night, when they rest, they dig
a Hole in the Snow, throwing the Snow up
all round, but highest towards that Side from
whence the Wind blows, so large, as to con-
tain as many Men as can lye round a Fire :
They make the Fire in the Middle, and cover
the frozen Ground round it with the small
Branches of the Fir-Trees. Thus they tell
me a Man lyes much warmer, than one imag-
ines that never tried it.

When the Information of the French came
to Schenectady, an Express was sent to New-
York to Coll. Fletcher then Governor there ;
the Express reached New- York, an hundred
and fifty Miles from Albany, the 12th at ten
in the Night. The Governor got the City
Eegiment under Arms by eight the next
Morning,

He called out to know who were willing to
go with him to the Frontiers, they all imme-
diately threw up their Hats, and answered
one and all. Indeed the People of this Prov-
ince have, upon, all Occasions, shewn their
Courage and Resolution in Defence of their
Country ; but the Misfortune is, they are un-
der no Discipline, and have been seldom led
by Men that knew their Duty. The Gover-
nor ordered an hundred and fifty Voluntiers
for this Service, and as many more from
Long-Island. The River then happened to

188

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

be open by a sudden Thaw, which does not,
at that Time of the Year, happen once in
twenty Years. He embarked three hundred
Men in five Sloops, by four in the Afternoon
of the 14th, and arrived at Albany the 17th
at nine in the Morning. The same Day the
Governor went to Schenectady, and ordered
the Men to follow, but before they could get
every Thing ready for their March into the
Woods, they had an Account, that Major
Schuyler was upon his Return. Several Gen-
tlemen of Albany, particularly Mr. Lanslear,
a Gentleman of the best Estate there, went
out Voluntiers under Major Schuyler, which
I ought not to have forgot.

Coll. Fletcher made a Speech to the Mo-
hawks at Albany, he blamed their supine
Negligence in suffering themselves to be sur-
prised in the Manner they were in Time of
War. He told them that they had Reason
to be convinced, that the English were their
Friends heartily, by the Number of Men he
had marched to their Assistance in a very
little Time, upon the first Notice. He prom-
ised to wipe away their Tears in the Spring,
by considerable Presents ; and that he would,
in the mean while, take Care of their Subsist-
ence, by providing Houses and Victuals for
them. He told them, he doubted they had
some false Brethren among them, that gave
the French Information, and favoured their

189

THE HISTORY OF THE

Designs ; and in the last Place, advised them
to convince the French, that they had not
lost their Courage with this Misfortune.

The Mohawks, in their Answer, called
Coll. Fletcher by the Name of Cayenguirago ;
and he was called so by the Indians always
after this. It signifies a great swift Arrow,
as an Acknowledgement of the Speed he made
to their Assistance. But they appeared, in
their Answer, to be quite disheartened ; they
had not, in the Memory of any Man, received
such a Blow. They said their Strength was
quite broke, by the Continuance of the War ;
but they added, if all the English Colonies
would join, they could still easily take Can-
ada: Their being so ill armed, was the Kea-
son (they said) that the French had now es-
caped.

The French, continued they, arm their In-
dians compleatly, and furnish them with
every Thing necessary for War, as we find
every Time we meet with them.

The French had got a great Quantity of
Furs, and other Peltry, at Missilimakinak,
by their Trade with the Indians; but the
Five Nations had so effectually blocked up
the Passage between that and Canada, that
they had remained there useless to the French
for several Years. The Count de Frontenac,
after his Success against the Mohawks, was
in Hopes the Five Nations would keep more

190

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

at home in Defence of their own Castles, and
with these Hopes sent a Lieutenant, with
eighteen Canadians, and twenty praying In-
dians, to open the Passage to Missilimaki-
nak ; but this Party fell in with another of
the Five Nations, who entirely routed them,
so that a few escaped only, to give an Ac-
count of their Misfortune ; at last 200 Canoes,
loaded with Furs from Missilimakinak, ar-
rived at Montreal, which gave as universal
a Joy to Canada, as the Arrival of the Gal-
leons give in Spain.

CHAP. X.

The Treaties and Negotiations the Five
Nations had with the English and French^
in the Years 1693 and 1694.

AS by this Time the Keader may be tired
with the horrid Scenes of a barbarous
War, it may be some Relief to observe the
Indian Genius in the Arts of negotiating;
and see how a barbarous People, without any
of the Arts and Sciences in which we value
our selves, manage their Interest with the
most learned, most polite, and artificial Na-
tion in Europe. The Five Nations were in-
formed, that the Governor of Canada had
received from Europe a very Considerable

191

THE HISTORY OF THE

Recruit of Soldiers, and of all Sorts of Am-
muuition. This, with the great Loss the
Mohawks had lately suffered, while they had
been amused by the English with great
Hopes, and very little real Assistance, made
the Oneydoes, at last yield to the Solicita-
tions of the Jesuit Milet, to send a Message
to the French for Peace. It is probable he
had the Art to influence the People at Albany
to favour his Designs, by giving them Hopes
of being included in the Peace, as may be
conjectured, from what will appear in the
Sequel.

Coll. Fletcher being informed, that the
Oneydoes had sent a Messenger to Canada,
sent for the Five Nations to Albany. He
spoke to them the third of July 1693.

He first excused his not meeting them as
he had promised, at the Time the ap begins
to run in the Trees, by Reason of his having
received a Commission to be Governor of
Pensilvania, to which Place he was obliged
at that Time to go. He put them in Mind
with what Speed he came to their Assistance
last Winter, and how effectual, in all PrK)ba-
bility, it would have been, had they only re-
tarded the Enemy's March till he could have
reached them: He advised them to guard
against being drunk, and shewed them the
ill Consequences of it in Time of War.

Then he said, "I have received. Informar

nVE INDIAN NATIONS, «&c.

tion, that some of the Brethren are wavering,
and inclined to Peace with the Enemy ; and am
assured, that such Thoughts must arise from
the Instigation of the Jesuit Milet, whom
some of the Brethren have suffered to live so
long among them, and whose only Practice
is to delude and betray them. Let me there-
fore advise you to remove that ill Person from
among you."

In the End he condoled their Dead, and
made them a very considerable Present of
ninety Guns, eight hundred and ten Pound
of Powder, eight hundred Bars of Lead, a
Thousand Flints, eighty seven Hatchets,
four Gross of Knives, besides a considerable
Quantity of Cloathing and Provisions. This
Present, he told them, their King and Queen
had sent them, and renewed the Covenant
for all the English Colonies.

The King usually sends them a considera-
ble Present with every new Governor sent to
New-York, which is not always applied as it
is designed. If this Present had been made
sooner, it had been of much more Use to the
English, as well as to the Five Nations.

The Five Nations the next Day spoke as
follows.

Brother Cayengmragoy

" We are involved in a bloody War, which
makes us sit in Sorrow and Grief; and being
Vol. L— 13 198

THE HISTORY OF THE

about to speak of Matters of Impoi-tance, we,
in the first Place, clear the Mouth and Throat
of our Interpretess, by giving her these three
Bever Skins.

Then they repeated his Excellency's
Speech, in Answer to which they said,

"Brother Cayenguirago, we rejoice, that
the great King and Queen of England take
such Notice of us, as we find, by the large
Present sent us ; we return hearty Thanks
for the Ammunition especially.

" We are glad that our Brother Cayengui-
rago renews the Chain, not only between us
and this Government, but likewise with
New-England, Virginia, Maryland, and
Pensilvania; it shall be kept inviolable by
us the Five Nations, as long as the Sun
shines. We pray our Brother Cayenguirago
to have a watchful Eye, that none of the
other Colonies keep any Correspondence with
the Enemy, but use their Endeavours to de-
stroy them. We heard nothing of what
you told us of the Priest Milet, who lives at
Oneydo, till we came to this Town. We
have enquired the Truth of our Brethren the
Oneydoes, who confess, that the Priest sent
an Indian to Canada with Letters, which has
surprised us very much.

" Brother Cayenguirago, you are our great
Tree, whose Roots extend to the utmost
Bounds of this Government ; we desire you

194

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

may not be disturbed when any of our Pris-
oners misbehave, for they are not counte-
nanced by us ; and all proper Methods shall
be taken, to prevent the like for the future.
In like Manner we beg you to take Care,
that none of the Prisoners you have corre-
spond with the Enemy, as we suspect the
Chevalier D' 0. did ; and that he was sent
with Letters to Canada by some of our
Brethren. (He made his Escape from Bos-
ton.)

"Brother Cayenguirago, In former Times
our Propositions to one another were only
Discourses of Peace and Friendship, and in
giving Presents ; but how much is the Case
altered of late? Now we talk of nothing
but War, and are continually prompting one
another to it. As to our Parts, we will keep
close to the War to the last Drop of our
Blood; and tho' we be tossed to and fro
with Storms, we will remain stedfast to the
last Man, as it was resolved by both in the
Beginning of the War.

"Brother Cayenguirago, we were told in
our own Country, not only that the King had
made you Governor of Pensilvania, but like-
wise that you were preparing a Fleet to take
Canada. ! what joyful News this was to
our young Men. Sadagarus, the great Seneka
Captain, was to command them. Now they
said, we need only make one hearty Push,

195

THE HISTORY OP THE

while the Fleet is before Quebeck. Now
there will be an End to this bloody War,
and all our Troubles ; But alas, now we are
come here, we hear not one Word of this De-
sign.

" Brother Cayenguirago, you are that flour-
ishing Tree that covers us; you keep the
Chain bright ; we have one Request to make
to you, that you may stay with us, and not
return to England ; for you know our Ways
and Manners. If you have any Thing to tell
the King and Queen, write it to them, for the
King knows you to be a wise Man, and will
therefore believe you.

" Brother Cayenguirago, we are very glad
to hear that Pensilvania is come under your
Government, bring their young Men here,
with their Bows and Arrows and Hatchets in
their Hands, for this is the Place of Action.
We are pleased that the Showonons or
Satanas, who are our Enemies,. have applied
to you for Protection; and that you sent
them to us to endeavour a Peace, and that
you sent Christians with them, to conduct
them back again. We wish they were come
to assist us against the common Enemy.

"Brother Cayenguirago, now we have
done, but must tell you again, that we roll
and wallow in Joy, by Reason of the great
Favour the great King and Queen has done
us, in sending us Arms and Ammunition, at

196

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

a Time when we are in the greatest Need of
them ; and because there is such Unity among
the Brethren.''

They made the Governor a considerable
Present of Furs, to shew their Respect to
his Person ; but they did not give one Belt
to confirm any one Article ; so that the whole
of it is, according to their Stile, only argu-
mentative.

Coll. Fletcher not being satisfied with their
Answer, concerning the Jesuit Milet, made
this further Proposal to them. " As to Milet
the Priest, whom the Brethren of Oneydo
still harbour among them, I must tell you
again, that he betrays you, and all your Coun-
cils ; and that you may see I desire not to
diminish your Number, I am willing to give
you a pretty Indian Boy, in Lieu of the old
Priest ; and accordingly the Boy was brought
and delivered to them.

In answer to this the Oneydo Sachem said,
"As soon as the Indian Messenger returns
all his Papers shall be taken from him, and
be forthwith brought to our Brother Cayen-
guirago, before the Priest shall see any of
them : we are willing to take the Boy in Ex-
change for the Priest, but it is not safe to do
it, while our Messenger is in the Power of
the Enemy; let the Boy stay here till we
bring the Priest, which shall be as soon as
the Messenger shall return.'' But he gave

197

THE HISTORY OP THE

no Belt, or other Present, to confirm this
Promise. He added,

"Brother Cayenguirago, we now acquaint
you that it is proposed by all the Five Na-
tions, to make Peace with the Dionondadies,
a Nation of Indians near in Alliance with the
French of Canada. This will both strengthen
us and weaken the Enemy. The Senekas,
who live nearest them, have undertaken this
Treaty, and take Belts of Wampum from the
other Nations, to confirm the Peace. We
desire your Approbation, that you would send
your Belt in Concurrence, as our eldest
Brother in our Chain."

The Governor approved of this, and gave
them a Belt to carry in his Name.

Notwithstanding what the Speaker of the
Five Nations had promised to the Governor,
to bring all the Papers the Oneydo Messenger
should bring from Canada, before the Jesuit
Milet should have Liberty to see them, it
could not be difficult for the Jesuit, to per-
suade them to keep the Power of making
Peace in their own Hands, and for that Pur-
pose, to call a Meeting of the Sachems of
Onondago, where all such Matters had been
formerly transacted among themselves, and
there to determine independently, rather than
to submit themselves to another Nation at
Albany. They only invited the English to
assist at the general Council. The English

198

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

used what Arguments they could to dissuade
this Meeting, but rather to observe the Prom-
ise made to the Governor ; and it seems used
some Threatning. The Mohawks had so
much Regard to the English, they they re-
fused to assist at the Council. The other
four, notwithstanding this, met, and resolved
on an Answer to be sent to the Governor of
Canada ; but at the same Time, to shew their
Regard to the Mohawks and English, these
Resolutions were not to be final, till they
should first be communicated to the English
and Mohawks, and their Advice received
thereon ; for which Purpose several Sachems
were sent to Albany, of whom Decanesora
was the Principal and the Speaker.

Decanesora had for many Years the great-
est Reputation among the Five Nations for
speaking, and was generally employed as their
Speaker, in their Negotiations with both
French and English : He was grown old when
I saw him, and heard him speak ; he had a
great Fluency in speaking, and a graceful
Elocution, that would have pleased in any
Part of the World. His Person was tall and
well made, and his Features, to my thinking,
resembled much the Bustos of Cicero. I shall
give an Account of these Negotiations from
Decanesora' s Mouth, because his Narration
agrees in the main with the Account the
French give of them, and carries along with

199

THE HISTORY OF THE

it as strong Evidences of Truth, as that of
the French do : but the chief Reason is, that
I intend to give the Reader as perfect a
Notion as I can of the Indian Genius ; and
here it will appear, what Art Decanesorahad,
to make an Account of an Affair less disagree-
able to English Ears, which had been under-
taken against their Advice, and contrary to
their Interest.

Decanesora spoke to Major Schuyler
(Quider) and the Magistrates of Albany, the
second of February 1693-4 as follows.

"Brother Cayenguirago,* we are come to
acquaint you, that our Children the Oney-
does having of themselves sent a Messenger
to Canada, he has brought back with him a
Belt of Peace from the Governor of Canada.

"As soon as Tariha (the Messenger) ar-
rived at Canada, he was asked, where the six
hundred Men were that were to attack Can-
ada, as they had been informed by Cariokese
a Mohawk Deserter? He assured them there
was no such Design.

" He was carried to Quebeck, where he de-
livered his Belt, with the following Proposi-
tions. Onondio, if you would have Peace go to
Albany, and ask it there, for the Five Na-

* When the Affair of which they speak concerns
the Government of New-York, the Indians always
address themselves to the Governor, whether he be
present or not.

200

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

tions will do nothing without Cayenguirago.
The Governor of Canada was angry at this,
and said, he had nothing to do with the Gov-
ernor of New- York, he would treat only with
the Five Nations; the Peace between the
Christians must be made on the other Side
the great Lake. He added, he was sorry to
see the Five Nations so far degenerated, as
to take a sixth Nation into their Chain, to
rule over them. If you had desired me to
come and treat in any of your Castles, I
would have done it ; but to tell me I must go
to Albany, is to desire of me what I can by
no Means do. You have done very ill, to
suffer the People of New- York to govern you
so far, that you dare do nothing without their
Consent. I advise you to send two of each
Nation to me, and let Decanesora be one of
them. I have Orders from the King my Mas-
ter to grant you Peace, if you come in your
proper Persons to ask it. The Governor of
Canada afterwards said,

"Children of the Five Nations, I have
Compassion for your little Children, there-
fore come speedily, and speak of Peace to me,
otherwise I'll stop my Ears for the future :
By all Means let Decanesora come ; for if the
Mohawks come alone, I will not hear them,
some of all the Five Nations must come.
Now Tariha return home, and tell the Five
Nations, that I will wait for their coming till

201

THE HISTORY OP THE

the Trees bud, and the Bark can be parted
from the Trees. I design for France in the
Spring, and I leave a Gentleman to command
here, to whom I have given Orders to raise
Soldiers, if you do not come in that Time,
and then what will become of you? I am
truly grieved to see the Five Nations so de-
bauched and deceived by Cayenguirago, who
is lately come to New- York, and by Quider.
Formerly the chief Men of the Five Nations
used to converse with me ; but this Governor
of New- York has so deluded you, that you
hearken to none but him ; but take Care of
what will follow, if you hearken to none but
him.''

Then Decanesora excused the not sending
the Letters to Albany, which came by Tariha,
as they had promised, saying, the other Na-
tions trusted this to the Oneydoes, because
the Messenger was to return to them, and the
Oneydoes deceived the others. He likewise
excused their not coming to Albany as soon
as Tariha returned, which was in November.
He said the chief Sachem of the Onondagas,
who was entrusted (as their Speaker) by the
Five Nations with their general Affairs, by
the general Council of Onondaga, had a sore
Leg, and could not travel.* That in such
Case he (Decanesora) did all that was in his

*Tliis, in the Indian Idiom, signifies a trifling ex-
cuse of an unwilling person.

202

FIVE INDIAN" NATIONS, &c.

Power, that is, he called a Council at Onon-
daga, to give Directions in this Affair ; and
that he invited Quider to this Council. He
continued,

" The four Nations that met there resolved
to send Deputies to Canada, and that I De-
canesora was to be one of them ; but at the
same Time ordered me, with some others, to
communicate the Resolutions of the General
Council to our Brethren at Albany, and to
the Mohawks, to be farther advised by them.

" The Resolutions are, to send three Belts
to the Governor of Canada, with the follow-
ing Propositions.

" I. Onondio, you have sent for me often,
and as often asked, why I am afraid to come?
The great Kettle of War that you have hung
over the Fire is the Reason of it. Then
laying down the first Belt, I am to ask his
Consent to the other two Belts which I still
keep in my Hand.

"II. We now not only throw down the
Kettle, and thereby throw the boiling Water
out of it, but likewise break it to Pieces, that
it may never be hanged up again by this sec-
ond Belt.

"III. Hearken, Onondio, you are sent
from the French King, your Master, as Cayen-
guirago is from the great King and Queen of
England. What I am now about to speak to

208

THE HISTORY OF THE

you, is by iDBpirafcion from the great God of
Heaven. You say that you will have nothing
to do with our Brethren of Cayenguirago,
but I must tell you, that we are inseparable,
we can have no Peace with you so long as
you are at War with them ; we must stand
and fall with them ; which I am to confirm,
by laying down the third Belt.

"When this was concluded the Jesuit
Milet, and another French Gentleman (who
had been taken Prisoner, and was taken into
the Place of the chief Sachem of Onondaga,
formerly lost in the War, and thereby be-
came a Sachem) desired Leave to add two
Belts to the other three. By their being
Sachems they had a Vote in the General
Council, and a Right to propose any Thing.
They wrote and read to us the Purports of
their Belts, and we have brought their Papers
with us, to shew to our Brethren. ''

To shew the Necessity they were under of
making Peace, speedily he added :

" That two Women, who were Prisoners at
Canada, had made their Escape, on Purpose
to inform them that the French were making
great Preparations of Battoes, and other Nec-
essaries for an Expedition ; one said, she had
informed one of the Sachems of the Prayirg
Indians of her Design, who sent an Indian
with her to advise the Five Nations, to pre-

204

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

vent the great Danger they were threatened
with by a speedy Conclusion of the Peace ;
and added, that they had sent one of their
People back with this Praying Indian, to as-
sure them that Deputies would certainly go
to Canada in the Spring to treat of Peace.''
I make no Doubt, this was only an Article
to hasten the Five Nations to conclude the
Peace, lest the English, if it were delayed,
should find Means to prevent it. Then he
shewed the Flag which the Governor of Can-
ada sent them to be carried by their Deputies,
that the French might know them. Upon
these Resolutions being taken, the Five Na-
tions recalled six hundred Men, that they had
placed along Cadarackui River, to intercept
the French, as they passed to and from Mis-
silimakinak.

The Jesuit's Papers being read to them,
several Things were found in them which he
had not read to the General Council. To
this Decanesora answered; "We know that
the Priest favours his own Nation, and de-
ceives us in many Things ; but it is not in
his Power to alter our Affection to our Breth-
ren, we wish you would bury all Misunder-
standings that you have conceived on his Ac-
count ; and we likewise wish you gave less
Credit to the Rum-Carriers than you do."
Here we see, by this Appellation, what a con-
temptible Character the Traders have among

205

THE HISTORY OF THE

the Indians, and yet the Government of New-
York has almost perpetually trusted the Man-
agement of the Indian Affairs to these
Traders.

Decanesora ended his Conference as fol-
lows: "The Governor of Canada's Words,
and the Resolutions of the four Nations are
now before you, consult therefore what is to
be done, and if it be necessary for the Breth-
ren to go to our Castles to advise us farther,
be not unwilling ; and then he laid down a
large Belt eleven Rows deep, and seven
Fathom of Wampum."

The next Day Major Schuyler told them
that he could consent to no Treaty with the
French ; but proposed to them to meet the
Governor here in seventy Days, and that
Decanesora in particular should return at that
Time, and gave a Belt.

They agreed to meet the Governor at that
Time ; " But as for myself (says Decanesora)
I cannot promise ; I am now the Minister of
the General Council, and cannot dispose of
myself, but by their Directions ; if they order
me, I shall willingly return. We did not
expect to hear such positive Prohibition of
keeping any Correspondence with the French ;
seventy Days must pass before we meet
again, if any Mischief be done by the Enemy
in that Time, let us not blame one another.
Consider again what is most for the publick

206

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Good, and let it be spoken before we part,
and laid down a large Belt of fourteen deep.'^

Major Schuyler then asked them again,
whether they promised to stop all Corre-
spondence with the French, either by the
Jesuit or otherwise, for seventy Days, and
till they shall have his Excellency the Gov-
ernor's Answer.

Decanesora answered to this, " I have no
Authority to answer this Question. I shall
lay the Belt down in every one of the Castles,
and tell, that by it all Correspondence is
desired to stop with the French ; but I can-
not promise that this will be complied with.''

Major Schuyler on the sixth called the
Indians again together : He advised them not
to submit to, nor trust such a perfidious
Nation as the French are, who have upon all
Occasions proved themselves such. Be not
discouraged, (says he, giving a Belt) Heaven
begins again to favour us. This Day the
Forerunners of the Shawonons are come to
Town, seven Nations are on their March fol-
lowing them, one Thousand in Number, in-
cluding Men, Women and Children, as you
may learn from their own Mouths. Take
Courage, and be not afraid, giving five
Fathom of Wampum. This seemed a lucky
Incident, and accordingly it had more Influ-
ence than all other Arguments together.

THE HISTORY OF THE

Decanesora, the next Day, called the Mag-
istrates together, and told them, you have at
last shut up the Way to Canada, but we have
one Thing to ask, after mature Deliberation,
which we expect will not be refused us.
Major Schuyler assured them that every
Thing should be granted, which was either
for their Safety or Honour. We desire then,
said he, that you send a Messenger along
with ours to the Praying Indians at Canada,
to tell them that the Priest is false ; that we
are to meet Cayenguirago in the Spring, and
therefore cannot go to Canada at that Time ;
and that a further Cessation of Arms be
agreed to, till such Time as we can go. We
desire at least, that if you will not send a
Messenger, that you put the Message in Wri-
ting, as a Token of your Assent to it. This
last was agreed to, and the Message was put
in Writing in the following Words, and trans-
lated into French.

The Dispatch of three Belts, which two
Messengers of the Five Nations carry to the
Caraguists and Catholick Indians^ according
to what was resolved by the Agayandres or
Sachems of the Five Nations, at Albany,
February the ninth 1694.

208

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

First Belt.

The Agayandres of the Five Nations can-
not go to Canada in the Spring, as they gave
Eeason to expect by the last Message from
Onondaga, because Cayenguirago has called
all the Five Nations, and other Indians, to
meet him at Albany, in the Month of April
next, to which the Five Nations have agreed.

Second Belt.

If the Caraguists, or French, have any
Thing to propose to the Five Nations, they
may safely come into our Country. This
Belt opens the Path, and secures it to them
both coming and going.

Third BeU.

The Five Nations, and their Friends, lay
down the Hatchet till they shall have an
Answer, which they expect in forty Days.
Provided nevertheless, that the Caraguists
and French tye their Hatchets down at the
same Time.

These Belts were accordingly presented to
the Praying Indians of Cahnuaga, who re-
fused to receive them but in the Presence of
Mr. de Callieres, Governor of Montreal. Mr.
Vol. I.— 14 209

THE HISTORY OF THE

de Callieres acquainted the Count de Pronte-
nac with the Contents. After which the
Praying Indians, in presence of Mr. de Cal-
lieres, gave the following Answer.

" We will have no Correspondence with the
Five Nations, but by Order of the Governor
of Canada our Father, and unless Decanesora,
and the other Deputies, come before the Feast
of St. John, the Way will be shut up for
ever after, and our Father's Ears will be
stopt. We however assure you, that if the
Deputies come in that Time the Path shall
be safe both coming and going."

Whether the Accounts given of the coming
of the Shawonons was only an Amusement,
or whether they were diverted on their
March, I know not, for I find no farther
Account of them in the Register of the In-
dian Affairs: However it was, the Impres-
sion, made on the Indians by that Kews, was
not sufficient to withstand the Force of the
resolute Answer their Messenger received
from the Praying Indians. Decanesora and
the other Deputies went early in the Spring
to Canada; the other Sachems met Colonel
Fletcher at Albany, the fourth of May 1694.
The Indians spoke first by Sadakanahtie, an
Onondaga Sachem, as follows :

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

^^ Brother Cayenguirago,

" Some of our Sachems agreed last Winter
that we should keep no Correspondence with
the French ; we confess that we have broke
that Promise, and that we have received a
Messenger from Canada, and have sent our
Deputies likewise thither. The Belt is not
yet arrived, by which we are to acknowledge
our fault in doing this. The Eeason of our
doing it is truly this, we are afraid of the
Enemy.

" When a Messenger came last Year from
Canada to Onondaga, our Brother Cayengui-
rago discharged our Meeting in General Coun-
cil at Onondaga, to consult on that Message,
and ordered us to hold our General Council
here at Albany on that Affair. The Privi-
lege of meeting in General Council, when we
please, is a Privilege we always have enjoyed ;
no former Governor, of the Name of Corlear,
ever obstructed this Privilege. We planted
a Tree of Peace in this Place with them, its
Koots and Branches extend as far as Vir-
ginia and New-England, and we have reposed
with Pleasure under its Shade. Brother, let
us keep to that first Tree, and let us be
united and unanimous ; such Prohibition of
our Assemblies will be of ill Consequence,
and occasion Differences between us.

" We acknowledge, I say, our sending
Agents to Canada for Peace, we were incour-

211

THE HISTORY OF THE

aged in doing this, by the Knowledge we
have of the Governor of Canada. He is an
old Man, and was formerly Governor of that
Place. He was always esteemed a wise
peaceable Man, and therefore we trust our
Message will have a good issue. We did not
take it amiss that you sent to the Dewagun-
has, nor that Arnout was sent to the Satanas,
both of them our Enemies ; and, for the same
Reason, our Brother Cayenguirago ought not
to be displeased with our sending to the
French for Peace.

" We, Onondagas, acknowledge ourselves
to have been the chief Prolnoters of this Mes-
sage, we have sent in all nine Sachems with
nine Belts. It is true we are now under
much Uneasiness in having trusted so many
Sachems in the French Hands, being almost
half the Number we have in our Nation, but
we were in haste to prevent the Designs the
French had against our Countries and yours,
by the great warlike Preparations they were
making in Canada."

Then he told all the Orders and Directions
which their Ambassadors had received ; which
agreeing with the Account which Decanesora
gave of his Negotiation, I shall here pass
over. He finished all by giving a Belt.

Colonel Fletcher told them, he would give
no Answer to what they had said, before they
discovered to him what Season they had to

212

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, ifec.

say, that lie had forbid their holding any As-
sembly at Onondaga, and that he had made
Peace with the Dewagunhas and Satanas,
without their Consent and Concurrence.

To this the Speaker the next Day answered ;
" I was sick, and absent when the Affairs you
mention were transacted, and I was at a
Loss how to excuse our sending to the French
contrary to your Advice ; but several Sachems
being arrived since I spoke, I have been bet-
ter informed by them, who were present at
those Transactions. We find it, in every
Circumstance, as our Brother Cayenguirago
says ; that you did not obstruct our keeping
General Councils at Onondaga, but only cau-
tioned us in hearkening to the Fallacies of
the French, and in holding Meetings on that
Occasion. We assure you we will never sep-
arate from you, we still have one Head, one
Blood, one Soul, and one Heart with you;
and as a Confirmation of this I give this Belt
seven deep.

" As to the Dewagunhas and Shawonons,
we are confident Cayenguirago will not admit
them into his Government, till they have
made Peace with us, which we shall willingly
grant. When our Enemies are humbled, and
beg Peace, why should they not have it? Let
them come and live with us, it will strengthen
our Country.

"Brother Cayenguirago, when the Chris-

213

THE HISTORY OF THE

tians first arrived in this Country, we re-
ceived them kindly. When they were but a
small People, we entered into a League with
them, to guard them from all Enemies what-
soever. We were so fond of their Society,
that we tied the great Canoe which brought
them, not with a Rope made of Bark to a
Tree, but with a strong iron Chain fastened
to a great Mountain. Now before the Chris-
tians arrived, the General Council of the Five
Nations was held at Onondaga, where there
has, from the beginning, a continual Fire been
kept burning ; it is made of two great Logs,
whose Fire never extinguishes. As soon as
the Hatchet-makers (their general Name for
Christians) arrived, this General Council at
Onondaga planted this Tree at Albany, whose
Roots and Branches have since spread as far
as New-England, Connecticut, Pensilvania,
Maryland and Virginia; and under the Shade
of this Tree all these English Colonies have
frequently been sheltered. Then (giving
seven Fathom of Wampum) he renewed the
Chain, and promised, as they likewise ex-
pected, mutual Assistance, in Case of any
Attack from any Enemy.

*^ The only Reason, to be plain with you,
continued he, of our sending to make Peace
with the French, is the low Condition to
which we are reduced, while none of our
Neighbours send us the least Assistance, so

di4

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

that the whole Burthen of the War lyes on
us alone. Our Brethren of New-England,
Connecticut, Pensilvania, Maryland and Vir-
ginia, of their own accord thrust their Arms
into our Chain ; but since the War began we
have received no Assistance from them. We
alone cannot continue the War against the
French, by Keason of the Kecruits they daily
receive from the other Side the great Lake.

"Brother Cayenguirago, speak from your
Heart, are you resolved to prosecute the War
vigorously against the French, and are your
Neighbours of Virginia, Maryland, Pensil-
vania, Connecticut and New-England, re-
solved to assist us? If it be so, we assure
you, notwithstanding any Treaty hitherto en-
tered into, we will prosecute the War as hotly
as ever. But if our Neighbours will not as-
sist, we must make Peace, and we submit it
to your Consideration, by giving this great
Belt fifteen deep.

" Brother Cayenguirago, I have truly told
you the Reasons which have induced us to
offer Peace to the French ; we shall likewise,
from the Bottom of our Hearts, inform you
of the Design we have in this Treaty. When
the Governor of Canada shall have accepted
the nine Belts, of which I have just now told
you, then we shall have something more to
say by two large Belts, which lye still hid in
our Bosom. We shall lay down first one and

215

THE HISTORY OF THE

say, We have a Brother Cayenguirago, with
whose People we have been united in one
Chain from the Beginning, they must be in-
cluded in this Treaty ; we cannot see them
involved in bloody War, while we sit in easy
Peace. If the Governor of Canada answer,
that he has made a separate Peace with us,
and that he cannot make any Peace with
Cayenguirago, because the War is from over
the great Lake ; then we shall lay down the
second great broad Belt, and tell the Gov-
ernor of Canada, if you will not include
Cayenguirago' s People, the Treaty will be-
come thereby void, as if it had never been
made ; and if he persists, we will absolutely
leave him/'

While the Sachems were at Albany, Deca-
nesora and the other Ambassadors arrived at
the Castle of the Praying Indians, near the
Falls above Montreal. They were conducted
from thence, by the Superior of the Jesuits,
to Quebeck. They had their Audience of the
Governor of Canada with great Solemnity, in
the Presence of all the Ecclesiasticks and
Officers of Distinction, and of the most con-
siderable Indians then in the Place. They
were every Day, while they staid in the
Place, entertained at the Governor's Table,
or at the Tables of the most considerable
Officers. Decanesora on his Side made a
good Appearance, being cloathed in Scarlet

216

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

trim'd with Gold, and with a laced Bever
Hat on his Head, which had been given him
by Colonel Fletcher before he went.

The Jesuit Milet had by Letter informed
the Governor of every Thing in their Com-
mission, and though he was thereby enabled
to have answered them immediately, he con-
sulted three Days, after the Ambassadors had
delivered what they had to say, before he
would return an Answer, that it might ap-
pear with more Solemnity. The Indians
never return a sudden Answer on any Occa-
sion of Importance, however resolved they be
beforehand, and despise those that do, though
their Answer be never so much to the Pur-
pose. I choose to give an Account of this
from Decanesora's Mouth, as I did of the
former, and for the same Eeason. The Ac-
count given of it by the Indians agrees, in
all the material Points, with that published
by the French, and I am confident it is not
less genuine.

Colonel Fletcher being sensible of what
Consequence this Treaty between the French
and Five Nations might be of to all the Eng-
lish Colonies, gave them Notice of it, and in-
formed them of the Keasons which had in-
duced the Indians to enter into it. He told
them, there was no Possibility of preventing
it, but by the Indians being assured of more
effectual Assistance, then they had hitherto

217

THE HISTORY OP THE

received, and advised them to send Commis-
sioners for that Purpose to Albany in.August,
at which Time he intended to meet the Five
Nations there, after the Return of their Mes-
sengers from Canada. Accordingly, Andrew
Hamilton, Esq; Governor of New- Jersey,
Colonel John Pinchon, Samuel Sands, Esq;
and Major Pen Townsend, Commissioners
from Massachusetts Bay, and Colonel John
Hauley and Captain Stanley, Commissioners
from Connecticut, waited on Colonel Fletcher
at Albany, who carried with him likewise a
Part of the Council of New-York.

These Gentlemen having met the Indians
at Albany the fifteenth of August, Decane-
sora rose up first, and desired Leave to sing
a Song or two of Peace, before they began on
Business. Then Rode, a Mohawk Sachem,
rose up, and addressing himself to the other
Sachems, said, we have great Reason to re-
joice, seeing so many of those, who are in
our Chain, are now met, to consult together
on the general Weal ; after which they sang
two or three Songs.

Sadakanahtie being chosen Speaker for
that Day, rose up, spoke much to the same
Purpose as he had done to Colonel Fletcher
in May last ; giving a metaphorical Account
of their League with the English, how it
began, and by what Steps it had been in-
larged and strengthened ; how the other Col-

218

FIVE INDIAN iTATIONS, &c.

onies had thrust their Arms into this Chaiiij
but had given little or no Assistance against
the common Enemy. " Our Brother Cayen-
guirago's Arms (says he) and ours are stiff,
and tired with holding fast the Chain, whilst
our Neighbours sit still and smoak at their
Ease. The Fat is melted from our Flesh,
and fallen on our Neighbours, who grow fat
while we grow lean : They flourish while we
decay.

"This Chain made us the Envy of the
French, and if all had held it as fast as
Cayenguirago, it would have been a Terror
also. If we would all heartily join and take
the Hatchet in our Hand, our common Enemy
would soon be destroyed, and we should for
ever after live in Peace and Ease. Do you
but your Parts, and Thunder itself cannot
break our Chain."

Then he mentioned some Jealousies they
had entertained of New-England, by their
suffering the Chevalier D'O to escape to Can-
ada, which they suspected had been concerted
between him and the People of New-England,
in Order to treat of Peace. "Our Agents,
said he, saw the Chevalier D'O at Canada,
who told them that he had been set at Lib-
erty by the English, and that it was in vain
that the Five Nations warred against the
French, while the English favoured them.''
On this Occasion he shewed them a Fish

219

THE HISTORY OF THE

painted on Paper, which the Conimissioners
of New-England had given them, when they
first entered into the Chain, as a Seal to the
League.

He finished by telling them, that they
would next Day give all the Particulars of
their Negotiation in Canada.

The next Day Decanesora proceeded to the
Account of his Negotiation, as follows:
" The Governor of Canada having often sent
to us to come to Canada to treat with him,
we went thither, and told him that we were
come to treat of Peace. We made the fol-
lowing Proposals.

"Father, if we do not conclude a Peace
now, it will be your Fault ; for we have al-
ready taken the Hatchet out of the Hands of
the Eiver Indians (Hudson's Eiver) whom
we incited to the War. But we must tell
you, that you are an ill Man, you are incon-
stant and not to be trusted; we have had
War together a long Time, and though you
occasioned the War, we never hated the
House of Oghessa, (a Gentleman living at
Montreal) let him undertake the toilsome
Journey to Onondaga ; for if he will he shall
be welcome.

"Father, we are now speaking of Peace,
and therefore I must speak a Word to the
Praying Indians, and first to those of Cah-
naaga (chiefly Mohawks) you know our Cus-

220

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, ifec.^

toms and Maimers, therefore make Onondio
acquainted therewith, and be assisting in the
prosecuting of this good Work. Then to the
other Castle, called Canassadaga, (chiefly
Onondagas) you are worse than the French
themselves, you deserted from us, and side
with our Enemies to destroy us ; make some
amends now, by forwarding Peace.

" You have almost eat us up, our best Men
are killed in this bloody War ; but we now
forget what is past. Before this we once
threw the Hatchet into the Eiver of Kaiho-
hage,* but you fished it up, and treacher-
ously surprised our People at Cadarackui.
After this you sent to us to have our Prison-
ers restored ; then the Hatchet was thrown
up to the Sky, but you kept a String fastened
to the Helve, and pulled it down, and fell
upon our People again. This we revenged to
some Purpose, by the Destruction of your Peo-
ple and Houses in the Island of Montreal.

" Now we are come to cover the Blood from
our Sight, which has been shed by both Sides
during this long War.

"Onondio, we have been at War a long
Time, we now give you a Medicine to drive
away all ill Thoughts from your Heart, to
purge it and make it clean, and restore it to
its former State.

♦The French call it la Famine, near Ohswego.
The Treaty with Mr. de la Bar was made there.

221

THE HISTORY OF THE

" Onondio, we will not permit any Settle-
ment at Cadarackui ; you have had your Fire
there thrice extinguished; we will not con-
sent to your rebuilding that Fort, but the
Passage through the River shall be free and
clear. We make the Sun clean, and drive
away all Clouds and Darkness, that we may
see the Light without Interruption.

" Onondio, we have taken many Prisoners
from one another, during the War. The
Prisoners we took have been delivered, ac-
cording to our Custom, to the Families that
have lost any in the War. They no longer
belong to the Publick, they may give them
back if they please, your People may do the
same. We have brought back two Pris-
oners, and restore them to you.

"After I had finished what I had to say,
continued he, the Governor of Canada told
me, that he would not make Peace with
Cayenguirago. To this I answered, these
Words displease me much, you shall keep
Peace with him. Onondio said again, I
must fight with Cayenguirago, it is not in
my Power to make Peace ; this can only be
done by my Master, who lives over the great
Water. To this I replied, I cannot bear this
Discourse ; if you should fight him now, and
not stay till I get Home, all the Country
will look on me as a Traytor ; I can treat
with you no longer. The Argument on this

222

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Subject lasted three Days, at last the Gov-
ernor of Canada assured me, that he would
not undertake any Enterprize against Cayen-
guirago this Summer, but would wait to hear
what he wou'd say.

"The Governor of Canada insisted three
Days to have Hostages left, which I refused,
but two agreeing of their own accord to stay,
they were left, viz. one an Onondago, another
a Seneka.

" Then the Governor of Canada made the
following publick Answer :

" I. I accept of Peace as you offer.

"II. Son, bring all the Prisoners back
that you have taken from me, and yours
shall have Liberty to return Home, if they
please.

"III. Children, erect my Fire again at
Cadarackui, and plant there the Tree of
Peace.

"After this the Governor of Canada de-
livered me a Belt, which I now lay down be-
fore you ; by it he said, desire Cayenguirago
to send a wise Man to me, and he shall have
Protection according to the Custom of Chris-
tians ; and added,

" Children of the Five Nations, if Cayen-
guirago shall employ you to do any Service
for him, do not accept of it, let him send his

228

THE HISTORY OF THE

own People." Decanesora added, that the
Governor of Canada had fixed eighty Days
for a Return to this Belt.

He continued and said, " The Sachems of
the Dionondadies were present ; after I had
finished my Speech, they said; May what
you have now said be from your Hearts ; we
suspect you are not sincere ; let us no longer
feel the Smart of the Hatchet, and gave this
Belt which I now lay down.

" The Praying Indians next said, Brethren,
our Father Onondio has told you to bring
Home all the Prisoners, do not fail in this ;
giving two Belts.

" Brother Cayenguirago, you will find what
I have DOW said confirmed by this Paper,
which the Governor of Canada gave me. I
brought Letters likewise for the Jesuit Milet,
who was to read the Paper to us." The
Paper contained the Articles in French, in
which the Governor of Canada was willing to
make Peace.

But besides what Decanesora here tells,
the French Accounts say, that he brought
two Belts underground (that is privately)
from three Onondaga Sachems, to assure the
Governor of Canada of their particular Affec-
tion, which the Governor of Canada answered,
by a private Belt to them.

As soon as Decanesora had done speaking,
Colonel Fletcher rejected the Belt sent by the

224

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Governor of Canada, saying; If the Gov-
ernor of Canada have any Thmg to say to
me, let him send some of his People to
Albany, and they shall have Protection.

Next Day Sadekanahtie, after he had sung
a long Song, gave the following Account of
their Negotiations with the Dewagunhas and
Dionondadies, which they had undertaken by
the Governor's Advice.

" We were afraid, says he, to send Messen-
gers of our own People, and therefore we
employed two Prisoners we had of the Dio-
nondadies with the Governor's Belt. Some
time after this, some of the Senekas hunting
near the Dionondadies, two of them were
taken; but when they were carried to the
Dionondadie Castle, they were not treated
like Prisoners ; they were used kindly, and
sent back with the following Offers of Peace.

" We are glad to see you Face to Face to
speak to you, siTice the Sun has been so pro-
pitious to send home the men that were
Prisoners with you, giving a few Strings
of Wampum.

" We are glad of this Opportunity to tell
you, that we have been both drunk in mak-
ing War on one another ; we now give you a
Cordial to ease your Hearts, that there be no
longer War between us, by this Belt.

" We are glad that you have set the Doors
opf n as far as Cayenguirago's House, that
Vol. I.— 15 325

THE HISTORY OP THE

we may freely go thither. Carry him this
second Belt.

" Brethren, we thank you for having pre-
pared a Place for us at your General Council of
Onondaga. Our Country is every where free
to you to treat with us, by this third Belt.

"Brethren, our whole Country rejoiced
when you invited us into your Country, and
from thence to go where Cayenguirago
dwells ; be not afraid to come to our Coun-
try, you shall meet with no Molestation.

" Brethren, we thank you for putting us in
Mind of what was formerly agreed to, viz.
that when any ill Accident happens, we were
to meet together to compose Matters, and not
to revenge it with War. We are now to-
gether to put an End to all Misunderstanding,
by this fourth Belt.

"Brethren, (we include all the Nations
from the Senekas Country to New- York in
this Name) hearken to us. We rend the
Clouds asunder, and drive away all Darkness
from the Heavens, that the Sun of Peace
may shine with Brightness over us all ; giv-
ing a Sun of a round red polished Stone.

"Brethren, we put the Hatchet into the
Hands of the Chightaghies, Twithtwies, and
Odsirachies, to war against you ; but we shall
in three Days go to these Nations and take
the Hatchet out of their Hands ; giving half
a Stone Pipe.

226

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

"You Senekas are stupid Creatures, we
must therefore warn you not to hunt so far
from your Castles, lest you be hurt by any of
these three Nations, and then blame us.
They then gave the other half of the Pipe.

"But Brother Cayenguirago, says Sadakah-
nitie, do not suffer these Nations to come
nearer than the Senekas Country, lest they
discover our Weakness, and to what a low
Condition the War has reduced us. These
nations have been so long in Friendship with
the French, and are so much under their In-
fluence, that we cannot trust them yet, or be
too much upon our Guard against them."

Colonel Fletcher not being able to give the
Five Nations any Assurance of a vigorous
Assistance, he called the principal Sachems
to a private Conference on the twentieth.
He asked them, whether they had made
Peace with the Governor of Canada; they
answered, that it only wanted his Approba-
tion, and added, that they could no longer
carry on the War without Assistance. You
have the whole Negotiations before you, say
they, and we submit it to your Prudence.

He then allowed them to make Peace, pro-
vided they kept faithful in their Chain with
the English ; but told them, that as to his
Part he could make no Peace with the Gov-
ernor of Canada. They were under great
Uneasiness to leave their Friends in the War,

227

THE HISTORY OP THE

they said, and wished, since neither the Gov-
ernor of Canada nor he would receive Propo-
sals by their Hands, that they might think
of some neutral Place to treat. The Gov-
ernor answered, that he could neither receive
nor send any Message on that Head ; and that
Peace could be only made between them by
the two Kings.

The Governor next asked them, whether
they would permit the French to build again
at Cadarackui; they answered, they would
never permit it, and were resolved to insist
on it, in all the ensuing Treaties, that he
never shall. Then the Governor added, if
you permit the French to build any where on
that Lake, there will be an End to your
Liberty, your Posterity will become Slaves to
the French. If ever you should permit them,
I will look on it as an absolute Breach of the
Chain with us ; If the French attempt it give
me Notice, and I will march the whole Force
of my Government to your Assistance. We
shall find afterwards, however, that the Gov-
ernment of New York was far from making
good this Promise.

The Governor told them, that they had
lost much of their Honour in creeping to the
French, in such an abject Manner ; for, says
he, the Governor of Canada's Paper, which
you brought with you, says, that you came
in the most humble and penitent Manner,

228

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

and begged Peace. To which they answered,
the Governor of Canada has no Keason to
make such Eeflexions, we have many of his
Beits to shew, by which he again and again
sued to us for Peace, before we would hearken
to him. But, replies the Governor, how
came you to call him Father? For no other
Reason, they replied, but because he calls us
Children. These Names signify nothing.

They desired the Governor not to say any
Thing particularly of Cadarackui, in his pub-
lick Speech that he was to make next Day,
for they had, they said, some among them
that would tell all to the Governor of Can-
ada ; and concluded, with wishing that they
had some one, who could write and read
all that the Governor had said to them, that
they might not forget any Part of it, when
they come to consult and resolve on this
weighty Affair, at their General Council at
Onondaga.

Here we see these Barbarians, these Sav-
ages, as we call them, acting with the great-
est regard to the Treaties they had entered
into with their Allies, and that at a Time
when the Exigences of their own Affairs, and
when the faint feeble Assistance, which their
Allies had contributed in the common Cause,
would, among Christian Potentates, have
been thought a sufficient Excuse for their
taking Care of themselves separately, in

229

THE HISTORY OF THE

breach of the most solemn Confederacy they
could enter into.

The Sachems of the Five Nations being
met at Onondaga, to consult on the Terms
offered by the French, they were divided in
their Opinions ; the Cayugas, and Part of the
Senekas, were most favorable to the French
Proposals ; but the major Part was absolutely
against allowing the French to rebuild tt Fort
at Cadarackui, nor would they consent to in-
clude all the French Allies in the Treaty,
with some of which they had particular
Causes of Animosity.

The Party that was most for Peace obtained
Leave to go to Canada, to try whether they
could obtain Terms less disagreeable. They
accordingly went thither, within the Time
prefixed by the Governor of Canada, for an
Answer; and to make themselves more ac-
ceptable to the French, they carried thirteen
Prisoners with them, and delivered them up.
The Jesuit Milet was of this Number, who
had been taken in the Year 1689, and one
Jonscaire, who had been long a Prisoner
among the Senekas : He had been delivered
up to a Family of the Senekas, that had
lost some considerable Relation, and was by
them adopted. He ingratiated himself so
much with that Nation, that he was advanced
to the Rank of a Sachem, and preserved their
Esteem to the Day of his Death ; whereby he

280

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

became, after the general Peace, very useful
to the French in all Negotiations with the
Five Nations, and to this Day they shew their
Kegard to his Family and Children.

When the Governor of Canada came to
Particulars with these Deputies, he coold ob-
tain nothing but ambiguous or dubious An-
swers, as to the rebuilding of Cadarackui
Fort, and the including of all the French
Allies in the Peace. Whereupon he dis-
missed them with Presents, and made them
many fair Promises, in Case of their Compli-
ance; but threatened them with utter De-
struction, in Case of their refusing the Terms
he had offered. Many of the French Indian
Allies were present, when the Governor of
Canada refused any Agreement without his
Allies being included in it, and this attached
them exceedingly to the French Interest.
This Kegard, which the French generally
shew for the Interest of their Allies, is a
Piece of Policy which, upon all Occasions,
proves useful to them ; whereas, the Neglect
of this Piece of natural Justice has as often
been prejudicial to others, who have not had
so tender a Sense of it. But it is not so easy
for a weak State to keep up its Honour in
such Cases, as it is for a powerful Prince.

381

THE mSTORY OF THE

CHAP. XI.

ITie War renewed. The French repossess
themselves of Cadarackui Fort, and find
Means to break off the Treaty between the
Five Nations and Dionondadies.

THE Five Nations refusing to come to the
Governor of •Canada's Terms, lie re-
solved to force them; and as he suspected
that they continued obstinate, by the Advice
of the English, and the Confidence they had
of the English Assistance, he thought he
would most effectually lessen that Confi-
dence, by attacking and destroying the re-
mainder of the Mohawks, who liv'd adjoining
to the English Settlements. For this Pur-
pose he resolved to march, in the Winter,
the whole Force of Canada against that Na-
tion ; but one of the Prisoners learning their
Design, made his Escape, and informed the
Mohawks of it. This made him alter his
Measures, knowing well enough, that if the
English were prepared to receive them, such
an Enterprize would only lead those engaged
in it to certain Destruction. He then sent
three hundred Men into the Neck of Land
between Lake Erie and Cadarackui Lake, the
usual hunting Place of the Five Nations, in
hopes of surprising them while they hunted

232

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

carelessly there, and at the same Time to
view the old French Fort there, to observe
in what Condition it remained.

This Party met with three or four Men,
who defended themselves obstinately, till
they all fell dead on the Spot. They sur-
prised likewise a Cabin, where they took
some Men and Women Prisoners ; and four
of them were publickly burnt alive at Mon-
treal. So far the Count de Frontenac thought
it more proper to imitate the Indians in their
most savage Cruelties, than to instruct them,
by his Example, in the Compassion of the
Christian Doctrine. A Party of one hundred
and fifty of the Five Nations fell upon the
Dewagunhas, in their Way to Canada, and
entirely routed them. Ten Prisoners were
taken, nine of which were burnt alive, in
revenge of the same Fate the four Men of the
Five Nations had received at Montreal.

This Year a-lso some sculking French In-
dians murdered some People near Albany and
Schenectady.

The Party sent to view Cadarackui Fort
found it in a better Condition than they ex-
pected, the Indians having neglected to de-
molish and level the Bastions, and probably
they had not Instruments sufficient to do it.
The Count de Frontenac therefore, in the
Summer of the Year 1695, sent a considerable
Body of Men, both French and Indians,

283

THE HISTORY OF THE

thither, to repair the Fortifications, and to
cover those that should be at work. The
Five Nations, in August, sent Messengers to
Albany, to acquaint the English that the
French had taken Possession of Cadarackui,
and were repairing of it. They demanded,
in Consequence of the Promise Colonel
Fletcher had given them, the Assistance of
five hundred Men and some Canon, which
they promised they would draw over Land,
where they could not be carried by Water.
At the same Time they desired, that the
People of New-England might be told, that
many of the Owenagungas were gone with
the French to Cadarackui, and that this was a
proper Time to fall upon those that remained,
and to destroy them, and the Women and
Children.

Coll. Fletcher came to Albany in Septem-
ber; there, in a Speech to the Five Nations,
he blamed them for being asleep, when they
suffered the French to take Possession of
Cadarackui ; it would have been much easier,
he said, to have prevented their getting the
Possession, than to drive them out, now they
are in it, especially as now you yourselves are
convinced, that it is impossible to carry Can-
non thither from this Place. All, says he, I
can now do, is to advise you to invest the
Place with your Parties, so as to prevent
their receiving any Supply of Provisions:

d84

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

By this Means you may force them to desert
it. Then he gave them 1000 Pound of Pow
der, two Thousand Pound of Lead, 57
Fusees, one Hundi*ed Hatchets, three Hun-
dred and forty eight Knives, and two Thou-
sand Flints, besides Cloathing, &c. But in
my Opinion, the Government of New- York
have, on all Occasions, been exceedingly to
be blamed, in not having some Men of Ex-
perience among the Five Nations to advise
and direct them on all Emergencies of Im-
portance. The French are very careful of
this, and the Officers of the regular Troops
are obliged to take their Tours among their
Indians, while the Captains of the independ-
ent Companies of Fusiliers at New- York live
like military Monks, in Idleness and Luxury.

The French gained a great Advantage, by
possessing this Place, as it is of great Security
to their Traders, in their passing between
Montreal and Missilimakinak. It served like-
wise as Place of Stores, and Retreat in all
their Enterprises against the Five Nations,
that Place being nearly about half Way be-
tween Montreal and the Country of the Five
Nations. It likewise exposed the Five Na-
tions in their hunting, to the Incursions of
that Garison, by its being in the Neighbour-
hood of their principal hunting Place for
Bever.

The French grew exceedingly uneasy, when

235

THE HISTORY OF THE

they found, that the Dionondadies, who live
near Missilimakinak, had almost concluded
a Peace with the Five Nations, and that the
rest of their Allies were like to follow their
Example : Some of these Nations had been at
Montreal, and at their Return forwarded the
Peace, that thereby they might be at Liberty
to go to Albany; for they informed their
Neighbours, that the Five Nations had in-
tirely shut up the Path to Montreal ; and be-
sides that, the French were not in a Condi-
tion to supply them, for they had nothing for
themselves, not so much as a Drop of strong
Spirits. If these Nations had, at that Time,
deserted the French, it might probably have
put an End to the French Colony ; for as the
Lands of Canada barely produce sufficient for
the Subsistence of its Inhabitants, the only
Means they have of purchasing Cloathing and
other Necessaries is by their Trade with the
Indians. The French likewise had been in
Danger of greater Mischief by the Peace, for
these Nations being at War with the Five
Nations, and lying on the Back of them,
obliged the Five Nations to keep always
a very considerable Part of their Force at
home, to defend themselves against these
Nations, and to revenge the Injuries they re-
ceived from them ; but if the Peace had been
concluded with these Nations, the Five Na-
tions could have turned their whole Force

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

against Canada, and probably might have
persuaded these Nations to have joined with
them in warring on the French.

The French Commandant at Missilimaki-
nak had his Hands full at this Time ; and if
he had not been a Man of great Abilities, he
must have sunk under the Difficulties he had
to go through ; in the first Place, to contra-
dict the Stories brought from Montreal, he
ordered the Stores of his Fort to be sold to
the Indians at the cheapest Rate, and assured
them, that great Quantities were every Day
expected from France, which were only de-
tained by contrary Winds ; and after these
Goods shall arrive, said he, they will be sold
cheaper than ever they have been. He told
them likewise, that the Count de Frontenac
would never make Peace with the Five Na-
tions, but was resolved to extirpate them;
for which Purpose he was now rebuilding
Cadarackui Fort. At the same Time he took
all possible Methods to extinguish the Begin-
nings of Friendship, which appeared between
the Five Nations and Dionondadies.

The Dionondadies durst not avow their
treating with the Five Nations to the French,
neither durst the Five Nations trust their
Agents in a Place where they knew the
French had so great Influence; both Sides
therefore agreed to carry on their Treaty by
Means of Prisoners which they took from one

237

THE HISTORY OP THE

another. The Civility with which the Dio-
nondadies treated these Prisoners, their dis-
missing them, and their receiving again Pris-
oners which had been taken by the Five
Nations, gave the Commandant sufficient
Ground to suspect what was doing. The
Dionondadies at last took seven Men of the
Five Nations Prisoners, and carried them to
Missilimakinak. The French perceiving, by
their Manner of bringing them in, that the
Dionondadies intended to treat them with the
Civility they had lately used to others, mur-
dered two of them with their Knives as they
stept ashore. On this the Dionondadies im-
mediately took to their Arms, saved the other
Five, and carried them safe to their Castle ;
and continuing in Arms, threatened Revenge
for the Insult they had received.

The French were forced in like Manner to
stand to their Arms, and as there are always
many different Nations at Missilimakinak
trading, some of which were inveterate Ene-
mies of the Five Nations, they joined with
the French. The Utawawas stood neuter.
This gave the Commandant Means of ending
the Dispute by Composition. He in the first
Place assured them, that the Christians ab-
horred all Manner of Cruelty, and then told
them, that as the French shared with the
Dionondadies in all the Dangers and Losses
sustained by the War, they ought in like

238

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Manner to partake with them in any A dvan-
tage. The Dionondadies on this were per-
suaded to deliver up one of the Prisoners.
What I am about to relate, I think, gives
Room to charge the French with a Piece of
Policy, not only inconsistent with the Chris-
tian Religion, but likewise with the Charac-
ter of a polite People ; and that all Consider-
ations from Religion, Honour, and Virtue,
must give Way to the present Exigencies of
their Affairs. That an End might be put to
the Beginnings of a Reconciliation between
these People and the Five Nations, the French
gave a publick Invitation to feast on the Soup
to be made on this Prisoner, and, in a more
particular Manner, invited the Utawawas to
the Entertainment.

The Prisoner being first made fast to a
Stake, so as to have Room to move round it,
a Frenchman began the horrid Tragedy, by
broiling the Flesh of the Prisoner's Legs,
from his Toes to his Knees, with the red hot
Barrel of a Gun; his Example was followed
by an Utawawa, and they relieved one an-
other as they grew tired. The Prisoner all
this while continued his Death Song, till they
clapt a red hot Frying-pan on his Buttocks,
when he cried out. Fire is strong and too
powerful ; then all their Indians mocked him,
as wanting Courage and Resolution. You,
they said, a Soldier and a Captain, as you

889

THE HISTORY OF THE

say, and afraid of Fire; you are not a Man.
They continued their Torments for two Hours
without ceasing. An Utawawa being desir-
ous to outdo the French in their refined
Cruelty, split a Furrow from the Prisoner's
Shoulder to his Garter, and filling it with
Gunpowder, set Fire to it. This gave him
exquisite Pain, and raised excessive Laughter
in his Tormenters. When they found his
Throat so much parched, that he was no
longer able to gratify their Ears with his
howling, they gave him Water, to enable him
to continue their Pleasure longer. But at
last his Strength failing, an Utawawa flead
off his Scalp, and threw burning hot Coals
on his Scull. Then they untied him, and bid
him run for his Life : He began to run, tum-
bling like a drunken Man ; they shut up the
Way to the East, and made him run West-
ward, the Country, as they think, of departed
(miserable) Souls. He had still Force left
to throw Stones, till they put an End to his
Misery by knocking him on the Head with a
Stone. After this every one cut a Slice from
his Body, to conclude the Tragedy with a
Feast. It is doing no Injury, I think, to
these Frenchmen, who thus glory in this hor-
rid Cruelty, to ask them, whether they did
not likewise regale their revengeful Appetites
with a Share of this inhuman Feast?
Though I have had frequent Occasions to

940

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

mention these baxbaxous inhuman Cruelties,
transacted by the Indians, yet I have avoided
to relate the particular Circumstances of
them, because I believe few civilized Ears
can bear the reading of them without Horror.
But when they are perpetrated by Christians,
and so far gloried in, as to be recorded in
their own History, I am willing to shew it to
my Countrymen in its proper Colours. This
last Piece of French History is taken from
Histoire de PAmerique Septentrionale, par
Monsr. de la Poterie, published at Paris with
the Royal Licence, and recommended to the
Publick by Mons. Fontenelle, Vol. ii. Page
298.

Though this cruel Act had its designed
Effect, in breaking off this Method of negoti-
ating between the Five Nations and Dionon-
dadies, it did not prevent the Peace ; and it
had very near raised a Civil War with their
own Indians, which was only prevented by
the dextrous Conduct of the French Officers,
who, in all kind of Artifice, have always
been superior to the Indians. But let me ob-
serve on this Occasion, that the avoiding any
Misfortune, by any base or wicked Action, is
commonly the Cause of gi-eater Mischiefs than
what is thereby avoided ; and of this numer-
ous Examples may be given.

Vol. L— 16 241

THE HISTORY OF THE

CHAP. XII.

The Coimt de Frontenac attacks OnoncUiga
in Person, with the whole Force of Canada.
The Five Nations continue the War with
the French, and make Peace with the
Diono7idadies.

THE Count de Frontenac having secured
Cadarackui Fort, which was called by
his Name, as a Place of Arms and Provi-
sions, and for a Retreat to the Men that
should happen to be sick or wounded, re-
solved to make the Five Nations feel his Re-
sentment of their refusing his Terms of Peace.
For this. Purpose he assembled all the regular
Troops of Canada, the Militia, the Owenagun-
gas, the Quatoghies of Loretto, the Adiron-
dacks, Sokokies, Nepiciriniens, the Praying
Indians of the Five Nations, and a few Uta-
wawas, at Montreal, in June 1696. The
other western Indians near Missilimakinak,
by their late Correspondence with the Five
Nations, and the Dissatisfaction they had
manifested, were not trusted. The Manner
of making War with the Indians in a Country
wholly covered with Woods, must be so much
different from the Methods used in Europe,
that I believe the Reader will be pleased to
have a particular Account of the Count de

242

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Frontenac's Conduct in this, who was an old
experienced General, in the seventy fourth
Year of his Age.

It is to be observed, that it is impossible to
pass the vast Forests between the Countries
of the Five Nations with Waggons, or other
Carriages, or on Horseback, or even on Foot,
in the summer Time, by Reason of many im-
passible thick Swamps and Morasses. For
this Eeason, the only Method of travelling is
in Bark Canoes, or very light Battoes, along
the Eivers, which may be easily carried on
Men's Shoulders, where the Stream of the
River becomes too rapid, and from one River
to another ; for which Purpose the shortest
Passes are always chosen, and are called, for
this Reason, Carrying Places.

The Count de Frontenac marched from la
Chine, in the south End of the Island of
Montreal, the fourth of July. He divided
five hundred Indians so, that the greatest
Number of them should always be in the
Van, which consisted of two Battalions of
the regular Troops. They were followed by
the Canoes which carried the Provisions. The
Van was commanded by the Chevalier de
Callieres, Governor of Montreal ; he had with
him two large Battoes, which carried two
small Pieces of Cannon, small Mortars,
Granadoes, and the Utensils of the Artillery.
The Count de Frontenac was at the Head of

248

THE HISTORY OF THE

the maiii Body, accompanied by the Engineer
and several Gentlemen Voluntiers. The
Body consisted of four Battalions of the
Militia, who, in War with Indians, were then
more depended on than the regular Troops ;
these were commanded by Monsieur Ramsay,
Governor of Trois Rivieres. The Rear,
which consisted of two Battalions of regular
Troops, and of the rest of the Indians, was
under the Command of the Chevalier de
Vaudreuil. All the Indians had French Offi-
cers set over them.

In this Order the Army marched, only
those that were in the Van one Day, were
in the Rear the next ; and they always kept
a Number of Indians on the Scout, to dis-
cover the Tracks of the Enemy, for fear of
-Ambuscades. And when they were obliged
to carry the Canoes, and drag the large Bat-
toes, several Parties were detached to cover
the Men that worked.

After twelve Days March they arrived at
Cadarackui Fort, one hundred eighty Miles
from Montreal. Here they waited for the
Utawawas, who disappointed them; and in
the mean Time raised a Bark, which had
remained sunk since Cadarackui Fort was de-
serted. They crossed over Cadarackui Lake
to Onondaga River (now Ohswega). This
River being narrow and rapid, they ordered
fifty Men to march on each Side of it, to

244

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

prev^ent their being surprised, and the Army
moved slowly along the River, according to
the Intelligence they received from their
scouts. They found a Tree, as they passed
along, on which the Indians had, in their
Manner, painted the French Army, and had
laid by it two Bundles of cut Rushes. This
was a Defiance in the Indian Manner, and to
tell them by the Number of Rushes, that
fourteen hundred thirty four Men would meet
them. The French passed the little Lake,
between Ohswega and Onondaga, in Order of
Battle ; and the two Wings, to prevent their
being surprised, and to make the Place of
their Landing more uncertain to the Enemy,
took a Circuit along the Coast. As soon as
they had landed they raised a Fort. A Sen-
eka, who had been some time a Prisoner in
Canada, and pretended an Attachment to the
French, was sent out to make a Discovery.
He deserted to the Onondagas. He found
them waiting for the French, with a Resolu-
tion to defend their Castle, and to fight the
French; for which Purpose they had sent
away their Women and Children. The Sen-
eka told them that the French Army was as
numerous as the Leaves on the Trees ; that
they had Machines which threw Balls up in
the Air, and which falling on their Castle
burst to Pieces, and spread Fire and Death
every where, against which their Stockadoes

245

THE HISTORY OF THE

could be of no Defence. This was confirmed
by another Seneka, who deserted. Upon
which the Onondagas thought it most ad vise-
able to retire, leaving their poor Fort and
bark Cottages all in Flames.

After the General had an Account of this,
he marched to their Village in Order of Bat-
tle. The Army was divided into two Lines :
The first commanded by the Chevalier de
Callieres, who placed himself on the Left,
consisted of two Battalions of the Inhabi-
tants in the Center, and a Battalion of the
regular Troops on each Wing. The Artillery
followed them. Most of the Lidians of this
Division were upon the Right, who continu-
ally sent out Scouts. The second Line was
commanded by the Chevalier de Vaudreuil,
composed of the same Number of Battalions,
and in the same Order. The Count de Fron-
tenac was carried in a Chair directly after the
Artillery. But it was impossible for them to
keep theii* Order, in passing through thick
Woods, and in passing Brooks. In this for-
midable Manner the aged General marched up
to the Ashes of the Village, and his Army
exerted their Fury on the Indian Corn, which
covered a large Field in thick Ranks.

An Indian Sachem, about one hundred
Years old, would not retire with the rest, but
chose this Time to end his Days. The
French Indians had the Pleasure of torment-

246

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

ing him, which he bore with surprising Even-
ness of Mind, and with that Resolution which
becomes a Sachem of the Five Nations. He
told his Tormentors to remember well his
Death, when his Countrymen should come to
take terrible Vengeance of them. Upon
which, one stabbing him several Times with
his Knife, he thanked him but said, you had
better make me die by Fire, that these Dogs
of Frenchmen may learn how to suffer like
Men. You Indians, their Allies, you Dogs
of Dogs, think of me when you shall be in
the like State. Thus this old Sachem, under
all the Weakness of old Age, preserved a
Greatness of Soul, and a due Eegard for the
Honour of his Country, to the last Moment
of his Breath.

The Chevalier de Vaudreuil was sent with
a Detachment of six or seven hundred Men
to destroy the Oneydoes Corn, who liv'd but
a small Distance from Onondaga, which he
performed without any Resistance. The
Jesuit Milet had lived for the most Part with
the Oneydoes ; he had infused into them the
most favourable Sentiments of the French,
and they had been the most inclined to Peace
on the French Terms. Thirty five of them
staid in their Castle to make the French wel-
come; but the only Favour they obtained,
was to be made Prisoners, and carried to
Montreal. The French Governor declared

247

THE HISTORY OF THE

his Resolutions to extirpate the Onondagas,
and for that Eeason gave Orders to give no
Quarter.

The Difficulty of supporting so many Men
in these Deserts, made it necessary for the
Count de Frontenac to return as speedily as
possible. Though the French Army was
much an Overmatch for the Onondagas, both
in Number of Men and in their Arms, the
Onondagas were not so far dispirited, as not
to follow them in their Return. They found
Opportunities to revenge themselves in some
Measure, by cutting off every Canoe that'
happened at any Time to be at a Distance
from the main Body. This obliged the Count
to hasten his March, so that he returned to
Montreal the tenth of August.

The Onondagas suffered nothing by this
chargeable Expedition, but the Loss of their
Com, and their Bark Cottages. They lost
not one Man, but the old Sachem, who re-
solved to die a Martyr to his Country's
Honour. The French suffered considerably
by its Consequences; for all the Planters
being taken off from their Labour, either in
this Expedition, or in watching and securing
their Forts and Country, a Famine ensued ;
and this I find has often happened in Can-
ada, where all the Men, fit to bear Arms,
have been employed in such like Expeditions,
If the Oneydoes had not timely surrendered

248

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

themselves, the Count had not been able to
have carried Home the least Token of a Vic-
tory. And all that can be said for this En-
terprize is, that it was a kind of heroick
Dotage.

The Influence that the Jesuit Milet had
obtained over the Oneydoes was such, that
some Time after this, thirty of them deserted
to the French, and desired that he might be
appointed their Pastor.

In the following Winter the Mohawks,
with the Governor of New- York's Privacy,
sent one to the Praying Indians with two
Belts, and he carried twa Prisoners with him.
By the first Belt he asked, whether the Path
was entirely shut up between their two Coun-
tries; and, by the second, demanded the
Eestitution of a Prisoner the Praying In-
dians had taken : But his real Design was,
to learn the State of their Country, and what
Designs were forming. Notwithstanding the
Influence and Artifice of the French Priests
over these Converts, they still retained an
Affection to their Countrymen; for which
Reason the Count de Frontenac entertained
a Jealousy of these Intercourses, and threat-
ened to put to Death any that should come
in that Manner again; but the Messenger
had the Satisfaction of discovering the dis-
tressed Condition of Canada by Famine.

A Party of the French was sent out in the

249

THE HISTORY OF THE

Winter, to make some attempt upon the Eng*
lish Settlements near Albany ; but some Mo-
hawks and Scahkook Indians meeting with
them, before they reached the Settlements,
they were intirely routed. The commanding
Officer, one du Bau, and two others, saved
themselves from the Fury of the Indians, by
runnmg to Albany; the rest were either
killed or perished in the Woods, so that not
one Man of this Party got back to Canada.

It was much easier for the French to set
the Praying Indians upon the English,
against whom it is possible many of them had
personal Animosities^ that made them go over
to the French, than to fight their Country-
men. Several of them came this Winter
skulking about Schenectady and Albany ; and
being well acquainted with the Country, and
speaking likewise the Mohawk's Language,
by which they sometimes deceived the Inhab-
itants, they surprised some of the Inhabitants,
and carried away their Scalps.

The Five Nations, to shew that the Count
de Frontenac's Expedition had no Way dis-
couraged them, sent out several Parties
against Canada. One of them met with a
Party of French upon St. Laurence Eiver,
near Montreal. The French were routed,
and their Captain killed. As soon as this
was heard at Montreal, Repentigni was sent
out after them with a consderable Party of

250

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, Ac.

French, Nepicirinien Indians and Praying
Indians; but this Party was likewise de-
feated, and the Captain, with many of his
Men, killed.

Thus the War was continued till the Peace
of Reswick, by small Parties of Indians, on
both Sides, harassing, Surprising, and scalp-
ing the Inhabitants near Montreal and Al-
bany.

Some Time this Year the chief Sachem of
the Dionondadies (whom the French call the
Baron) went to Quebeck, pretending a strong
Attachment to the French, but really to con-
ceal the Treaty of Peace that he was on the
Point of concluding with the Five Nations ;
for which Purpose he had sent his Son with
nineteen Belts to the Senekas. The Sub-
stance of whose Commission was as follows :

The French have for many Years con-
founded our Resolutions, and deceived us, but
now we are resolved to break all their Artifi-
ces, by stopping our Ears. We come now to
unite with you, while the French know noth-
ing of the Matter. The Commandant at Mis-
silimakinak has told us many Lies, he has be-
trayed us, and made us kill one another, but
we are firmly resolved never to hearken to
him any more. The Peace was accordingly
firmly concluded, notwithstanding all the
Opposition the French could make. The
French Authors say, the only Reason that

THE HISTORY OF THE

induced the Dionondadies was, that the Eng-
lish sold them Goods cheaper than the French
could.

Some Time before the News of the Peace
arrived, the French at Montreal being in-
formed that a Party of the Five Nations were
discovered near Corlear's Lake, sent out a
Captain with a Party of Soldiers and Indians,
who being well experienced in the Manner of
making War with Indians, marched through
the thickest Woods, and by the least fre-
quented Places, so that he discovered the
Enemy, without being discovered. He sur-
prised that Party, killed several, and took
one Prisoner. The Utawawas being then
trading at Montreal, the Count de Frontenac
invited them to a Feast to be made of this
Prisoner, and caused him to be burnt pub-
lickly alive at Montreal, in the Manner of
which I have already given two Accounts
from the French Authors.

252

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS. Ac.

CHAP. XIII.

The Conduct which the English and French
observed^ in regard to the Five Nations^
immediately after the Fea^e of Reswick.

SOON after the News of the Peace of Res-
wick reached New- York, the Governor
sent an Express to Canada, to inform the
Governor there of it, that Hostilities might
cease. The Five Nations having an Account
of the Peace earlier than they had it in Can-
ada, took Advantage of it, in hunting Bever
near Cadarackui Fort. The Governor of Can-
ada being informed of this, and believing that
the Five Nations thought themselves secure
by the general Peace, resolved to take his last
Revenge of them. For this Purpose he sent
a considerable Party of Adirondacks to sur-
prise them, which they did, and killed sev-
eral, but not without Loss of many of their
own Men. The Loss of one of their greatest
Captains at that Time gave the Five Nations
the greatest Affliction. After he was mor-
tally wounded, he cried out : " Must I, who
have made the whole Earth tremble before
me, now die by the Hands of Children?'^
for he despised the Adirondacks.

A Dispute at this Time arose, between the
Government of New- York and Canada, about

253

THE HISTORY OF THE

the French Prisoners which the Five Nations
had in their Hands. The Earl of Bellamont,
then Governor of New- York, would have the
French receive those Prisoners from him, and
directed the Five Nations to bring them to
Albany for that Purpose. The French, on
the other Hand, refused to own the Five
Nations as subject to the Crown of Great-
Britain, and threatened to continue the War
against the Five Nations, if they did not
bring the Prisoners to Montreal, and deliver
them there. The Count de Frontenac sent
some of the Praying Indians with a Message
to this Purpose, and to have all the French
Allies included in the general Peace.

The Messenger on his Return told the
Count, publickly in Presence of several Uta-
wawas, that the Five Nations refused to in-
clude several of his Allies, but were resolved
to revenge the Injuries they had received.
The Utawawas were exceedingly discomposed
at hearing this, and the Count, to recover
their Spirits, assured them, that he never
would make Peace without including all his
Allies in it, and without having all their
Prisoners restored. At the same Time he
made Preparations to attack the Five Nations
with the whole Force of Canada.

The Earl of Bellamont being informed of
this, sent Captain John Schuyler (of the
Militia) to tell the Count, that he had the

254

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

Interest of the King his Master too much at
Heart, to suffer the French to treat the Five
Nations like Enemies, after the Conclusion
of the general Peace ; for which Eeason he
had ordered them to be on their Guard, and
had furnished them with Arms and Ammu-
nition ; that he had ordered the Lieutenant-
Governor, in Case they were attacked, either
by the French or their Allies, to join them
with the regular Troops ; and that, if he found
it necessary, he would raise the whole Force
of his Government in their Defence.

This put a Stop to the French Threatening,
and both Sides made Complaint to their Mas-
ters. The two Kings ordered their respective
Governors to be assisting to each other, in
making the Peace effectual to both Nations,
and to leave the Disputes, as to the Depend-
ency of the Indian Nations, to be determined
by Commissioners, to be appointed pursuant
to the Treaty of Eeswick.

It is exceedingly impolitick, when weaker
Potentates, in gaged in a Confederacy against
one powerful Prince, leave any Points to be
determined after the Conclusion of a Peace ;
for if they cannot obtain a concession, while
the Confederacy stands and their Force is
united, how can a weaker Prince hope to
obtain it, when he is left alone to himself,
after the Confederacy is dissolved? The
French have so often found the Benefit of

?55

THE HISTORY OF THE

this Piece of Imprudence, that in all their
Treaties they use all the Cajoling, and every
Artifice in their Power, to obtain this Ad-
vantage, and they seldom miss it.

About the Time of the Conclusion of the
Peace at Reswick, the noted Therouet died
at Montreal. The French gave him Christian
Burial in a pompous Manner, the Priest, that
attended him at his Death, having declared
that he died a true Christian ; for, said the
Priest, while I explained to him the Passion
of our Saviour, whom the Jews crucified, he
cried out; "Oh! had I been there, I would
have revenged his Death, and brought away
their Scalps."

Soon after the Peace was known at Mon-
treal, three considerable Men of the Praying
Indians came to Albany ; they had fine laced
Coats given them, and were invited to return
to their own Country. They answered, that
they were young Men, and had not Skill to
make a suitable Answer, and had not their
ancient Men to consult with ; but promised to
communicate the Proposals to their old Men,
and would bring back an Answer in the Fall.
I find nothing more of this in the Register of
Indian Affairs, though it might have been of
great Consequence had it been pursued to
Purpose; but such Matters, where there is
not an immediate private Profit, are seldom
pursued by the English with that Care and

256

FIVE INDIAN Stations, &c.

Assiduity, with which they are by the
French.

While Captain Schuyler was in Canada,
he entered into some indiscreet Discourse with
Monsieur Maricour, for whom the Five Na-
tions had a particular Esteem, and call Stow-
towisse. Captain Schuyler, in asserting the
Dependency of the Five Nations on New-
York, said, that those Nations were their
Slaves. Mr. Mai-icour told this Discourse to
an Onondaga, with all the Aggi-avations he
could, and added, that it was intirely owing
to the English that the Peace was not abso-
lutely concluded, and that Captain Schuyler
prevented their Prisoners being restored, be-
cause he would have them sent to Albany, as
being Slaves to the English. That the French
had no Dispute with the English, but for the
Independency of the Five Nations. This in-
discreet Conduct of Captain Schuyler was so
much resented by the Five Nations, that a
Deputation of the most considerable Sachems
was sent to Albany in June 1699, to complain
of it ; and they sent at the same Time Depu-
ties to Canada to conclude the Peace, inde-
pendently of the English. These Deputies
that came to Albany were so far convinced
that the French had abused them, and how
much more it was for their Security to be
included in the general Peace with the Eng-
lish, than to have only the French Faith for
Vol. L— 17 257

THE HISTORY OF THE

their Security, that they immediately dis-
patched a Messenger after their Deputies that
were gone to Canada. Though this Messen-
ger reached them too late to stop their Pro-
ceeding, it convinced the Deputies so far of
its being for their Interest to be joined with
the English in the Peace, as they had been
in the War, that they insisted that the Ex-
change of Prisoners be made at Albany. At
the same Time the Messenger was sent after
their Deputies to Canada, Colonel Peter
Schuyler was sent with others to Onondago,
to remove the Prejudices they had received
there.

The Count de Frontenac died while these
Disputes continued. Monsieur de Callieres,
who succeeded him, put an End to them, by
agreeing to send to Onondaga to regulate the
Exchange of Prisoners there ; for which Pur-
pose Monsieur Maricour, loncaire, and the
Jesuit Bruyas, were sent.

When the French Commissioners were
come within less than a Mile of Onondaga
Castle, they put themselves in Order and
marched with the French Colours carried be-
fore them, and with as much Show as they
could make. Decanesora met them without
the Gate, and complimented them with three
Strings of Wampum. By the first he wiped
away their Tears for the French that had
been slain in the War. By the second he

258

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

opened their Mouths, that they might speak
freely; that is, promised them freedom of
Speech. By the third he cleaned the Matt,
on which they were to sit, from the Blood
that had been spilt on both Sides : The Com-
pliment was returned by the Jesuit, then they
entered the Fort, and were saluted with a
general Discharge of all the fire Arms. They
were carried to the best Cabin in the Fort,
and there entertained with a Feast. The
Deputies of the several Nations not being all
arrived, the Jesuit, and Monsieur Maricour,
passed the Time in visiting and conversing
with the French Prisoners. The General
Council being at last met, the Jesuit made
the following Speech, which I take from the
Relation the Five Nations afterwards made
of it to the Earl of Bellamont.

"1. I am glad to see the Five Nations, and
that some of them went to Canada, notwith-
standing Corlear forbid them : I am sorry for
the Loss of your People killed by the remote
Indians; I condole their Death, and wipe
away the Blood by this Belt.

" 2. The War Kettle boiled so long, that
it could have scalded all the Five Nations had
it continued; but now it is overset, and
turned upside down, and a firm Peace made.

"3. I now plant the Tree of Peace and
Welfare at Onondaga.

THE HISTORY OF THE

" 4. Keep fast the Chain you have made
with Corlear, for now we have one Heart and
one Interest with them ; but why is Corlear
against your corresponding with us, ought
we not to converse together when we are at
Peace and in Friendship?

" 5. Deliver up the French Prisoners you
have, and we shall deliver not only those
of your ]Nation we have, but all those like-
wise taken by any of our Allies; and gave
a Belt.

" 6. I offer myself to you to live with you
at Onondaga, to instruct you in the Christian
Religion, and to drive away all Sickness,
Plagues and Diseases out of your Country,
and gave a third Belt.

"7. This last Belt, he said, is from the
Rondaxe, or French Indians, to desire Resti-
tution of the Prisoners taken from them."

The Jesuit in the Conclusion said ; " Why
does nor Corlear tell you what passes be-
tween the Governor of Canada and him? He
keeps you in the Dark, while the Governor
of Canada conceals nothing from his Chil-
dren. Nor does the Governor of Canada
claim your Land, as Corlear does. "

The General Council immediately rejected
the Belt by which the Jesuit offered to stay
with them, saying. We have already accepted
Corlear' s Belt, by which he offers us Pastors
to instruct us. Decanesora added, The Jes-

260

FIVE INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

uits have always deceived us, for while they
preached Peace, the French came and
knocked us on the Head. To this the Jesuit
replied, that if he had known that Corlear
intended to send them Pastors, he would not
have offered this Belt.

It is to be observed that the Indian Council
refused to hear the French, or to give them
an Answer, but in Presence of the Commis-
sioners from Albany.

The French Commissioners having assured
the Peace with the Five Nations, the Inhab-
itants of Canada esteemed it the greatest
Blessing that could be procured for them
from Heaven ; for nothing could be more ter-
rible than this last War with the Five Na-
tions. While this War lasted, the Inhabi-
tants eat their Bread in continual Fear and
Trembling. No Man was sure, when out of
his House, of ever returning to it again.
While they laboured in the Fields, they were
under perpetual Apprehensions of being
killed or seized, and carried to the Indian
Country, there to end their Days in cruel
Torments. They many Times were forced
to neglect both their Seed Time and Harvest.
The Landlord often saw all his Land plun-
dered, his Houses burnt, and the whole
Country ruined, while they thought their
Persons not safe in their Fortifications. In
short, all Trade and Business was often at an

261

THE HISTORY OF THE

intire Stand, while Fear, Despair, and Mis-
ery appeared in the Faces of the poor Inhab-
itants.

The French Commissioners carried several
of the principal Sachems of the Five Na-
tions back with them, who were received at
Montreal with great Joy. They were saluted
by a Discharge of all the great Guns round
the Place, as they entered. The French
Allies took this amiss, and asked if their
Governor was entering. They were told,
that it was a Compliment paid to the Five
Nations, whose Sachems were then entering
the Town. We perceive, they replied, that
Fear makes the French shew more Respect
to their Eenemies than Love can make them
do to their Friends.

Monsieur de Callieres assembled all the
French Allies, (who were then very numer-
ous at Montreal) to make the Exchange of
Prisoners, and they delivered the Prisoners
they had taken, though the Five Nations had
sent none to be exchanged for them. Thus
we see a brave People struggle with every
Difficulty, till they can get out of it with
Honour; and such People always gain Re-
spect, even from their most inveterate Ene-
mies.

I shall finish this Part by observing, that
notwithstanding the French Commissioners
took all the Pains possible to carry Home

262

FIVfi INDIAN NATIONS, &c.

the French, that were Prisoners with the Five
Xations, and they had full Liberty from the
Indians, few of them could be persuaded to
return. It may be thought that this was oc-
casioned from the Hardships they had en-
dured in their own Country, under a tyran-
nical Government and a barren Soil : But this
certainly was not the only Eeason ; for the
English had as much Difficulty to persuade
the People, that had been taken Prisoners by
the French Indians, to leave the Indian
Manner of living, though no People enjoy
more Liberty, and live in greater Plenty,
than the common Inhabitants of New- York
do. No Arguments, no Intreaties, nor Tears
of their Friends and Relations, could per-
suade many of them to leave their new Indian
Friends and Acquaintance ; several of them
that were by the Caressings of their Rela-
tions persuaded to come Home, in a little
Time grew tired of our Manner of living, and
run away again to the Indians, and ended
their Days with them. On the other Hand,
Indian Children have been carefully educated
among the English, cloathed and taught, yet,
I think, there is not one Instance, that any
of these, after they had Liberty to go among
their own People, and were come to Age,
would remain with the English, but returned
to their own Nations, and became as fond of
the Indian Manner of Life as those that knew

263

THE HISTORY OP THE

nothing of a civilized Manner of living.
What I noTvtellof Christian Prisoners among
Iniliaas, relates not only to what happened
at the Conclusion of thia War, but has been
found true on many other Occasions.

The End of the Second Part.

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